Final answer:
The Annunciation Triptych, also known as the Merode Altarpiece, is a painting created by the Workshop of Robert Campin and is characterized by its attention to detail, use of objects to symbolize spiritual ideas, and triptych format. It depicts the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel informs Mary of the impending birth of Jesus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Annunciation Triptych, also known as the Merode Altarpiece, is a painting created by the Workshop of Robert Campin during the Northern Renaissance period.
It is made up of three connected panels, known as a triptych, and is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The central panel depicts the Annunciation, where the Angel Gabriel informs Mary of the impending birth of Jesus.
The Merode Altarpiece is characterized by its attention to detail, use of objects from the material world to symbolize spiritual ideas, and its emphasis on creating a realistic representation of the divine.
The triptych format was commonly used for altarpieces and allowed for the work to be closed or covered until the Mass was performed. The artist's focus on clarity and detail is evident in the organization of the closed altarpiece, the use of religious iconography, and the rich colors used when the altarpiece is opened.
Overall, the Merode Altarpiece exemplifies the Northern Renaissance style, which sought to make the divine accessible to the viewer and incorporated elements of the material world into religious art.