Panel from the Stein Quadriptych

The Stein Quadriptych was likely created in Bruges, and it has been attributed to Simon Bening and associates, ca. 1525-30. This collection of sixty-four miniatures depicting images of Christ's life is mounted in four panels, each in sets of sixteen miniatures per panel. The ensemble of miniatures was first cited in scholarly literature as the Stein Quadriptych because the earliest known owner of the collection was Charles Stein until 1886. The miniatures seem to have been dismantled at some point and then reassembled in four panels. No texts have been found on the backs of these miniatures by the Walters Conservation Department. However, because it was normal practice for illuminated folios to be inserted into South Netherlandish prayer books without accompanying text on the back, the lack of textual evidence does not rule out the possibility that these miniatures were once part of a prayer book. Based on formal visual analysis and the use of color, however, these 64 miniatures appear to have been meant to be viewed as an ensemble. The recitation of prayers from a book or from memory may have been intended while the suppliant viewed the visual program.

Provenance

Provenance (from the French provenir, 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.

Possibly commissioned by Cardinal Albrecht, Bradenburg, ca. 1525-1530. Acquired by Charles Stein, Paris, mid-late 19th century; Stein Sale, Paris, Galerie Georges Petit, May 10, 1886, no. 241; purchased by Bourgeois, 1886. Unknown Spanish owner, ca. 1888 [1]. Acquired by Henry Walters, Baltimore, ca. 1910 [2]; by bequest to Walters Art Museum, 1931.

[1] Suggested by photographs taken by Maison Laurent in Madrid
[2] Receipt of April 13 1911 from Adams Express Co. and recorded in inventory by Walters Art Gallery Superintendent James C. Anderson