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This diptych on wood has been linked to the circle of Conrad von Soest and the Master of Frondeberger, and, so, placed in the area of Westfalia, in about 1410. Both works have the typical style of the Germanic Primitives and a complex iconographic programme. The Virgin and Child appear in a walled garden ("hortus conclusus"), surrounded by the Marian symbols: the rose and the fountain, as well as the flaming thornbush, Ezequiel's closed door, the ark of the Alliance, etc. On the righthand panel, Christ appears nailed to the cross, from whose four ends four hands emerge: with a mace, a key, a sword and blessing. At the foot of the cross the mystic lamb and two symbolic figures: the Church, represented by a woman with the chalice, and the Synagogue, a vanquished blind man, a torn banderole and the golden calf. At the top, two small scenes complete the programme: the Pope giving communion to the Virgin and original sin. Both works appear united in such a complex iconological programme: after original sin, Christ is the redeemer of the world with the mediation of the Virgin.
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