ALTARPIECE OF THE LIFE OF THE HOLY VIRGIN

STYLE 

Scenes are made up of compact reliefs carved from a single piece of wood. Single figures and groups are distributed over two different levels. Particularly noteworthy is the Nativity with its rocky landscape, ascending visual lines, the incorporation of a few buildings and a flock and shepherd.

The stocky figures are represented with calm, elegant gestures. The pleats and folds of their garments are notably deep, well-defined and rigid folds gathered at waists and elbows and where they touch the ground. Showy headdresses, such as the turbans worn by some women, cover some of their heads.

Physical characteristics are rounded faces with contained expressions. Of particular mention are the prominent, straight, agreeable noses, hooded eyes, thick lips and well-defined lower jaws, all of which are framed by hair drawn back only slightly away from their faces and which, in the case of some men, forms bulky waves at their temples.