Arnau Bassa - Triptych with Madonna and Child with the Crucifixion and the Annunciation - Walters 37468 - A T Detail S

The central scene of this altarpiece depicts the enthroned Madonna and Child flanked by angels. The Christ Child holds a tiny European goldfinch, a symbol of his resurrection. The bird is tethered, a reminder that, in the 14th century, such animals were kept as pets by children. Angels present Mary with chalices of white flowers, alluding to her purity. On the left appear the Annunciation and the Crucifixion, while Christ's Presentation in the Temple and the Coronation of the Virgin are on the right.
The delicate punch-work decoration and the slender, graceful figures reveal the influence of Sienese painting. Catalan artists learned the style and techniques of Italian painting by examining imported Italian works in local churches; some even traveled to Italy to perfect their craft.