Chose secrètes＆Couronnement de la Vierge -Art Column-

16th Century Flemish Painters and Triptych Altarpieces

　The dress "Chose secrètes" is a collage inspired by Jan Van Dornicke's work, "Triptyque de l'abbaye de Dielegem " from the 16th-century Flanders. The piece, created for the abbey's chapel, is now housed in the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium in Brussels.

　The triptych consists of three panels, with a central religious scene or depiction of saints in the main panel and smaller side panels on each side. In 16th-century Flanders, it was common for artists to create religious paintings and altarpieces for monasteries and churches. JEJ's 2021 collection, "Le paradis (Jardín de las delicias) JSK," also utilized Hieronymus Bosch's triptych "The Garden of Earthly Delights."

Insight into the Era - Juan de Juanes' artistic creation

　The dress "Couronnement de la Vierge" is an arrangement inspired by the Spanish painter Juan de Juanes' work, "The Immaculate Conception."

　Juanes was one of the most significant and renowned painters of the Spanish Renaissance. Though he never strayed from his native Valencia, he skillfully assimilated the latest trends and elements from artists worldwide, like Flemish paintings and elements from Raphael Sanzio of Italy, forging his distinctive style admired by his contemporaries.His work received much acclaim during his time.

The Virgin Mary - The Immaculate Conception

　 In the original painting "The Immaculate Conception," it depicts the moment when the Virgin Mary, through God's grace, is free from the stain of original sin.

　The portrayal shows the immaculate Mary draped in a white robe, surrounded by a golden light, crowned by the Holy Trinity. Scrolls on both sides of Mary bear the inscription "TOTA PVLCHRA ES AMICA MEA" and "ET MACVULA NON EST IN TE." This is the Catholic praise originating from the 14th century: "You are entirely beautiful, my friend, and there is no flaw in you".

　This piece stands as one of Juanes' masterpieces alongside "The Last Supper," showcasing a timeless beauty through its powerful use of color and sense of holiness.