Elizabeth Triptych

Elizabeth, a Hungarian king’s daughter, was not genteel as a benefactress, but gave liberally. Her bounty to those who lived on the margins of medieval society was virtually unlimited. Like Mary, she compassionately spread her protective mantle over them. At the same time, the scenes depicted on the side wings show how, thanks to divine miracles, she defies her husband’s hostility: whenever the Thuringian landgrave nearly catches her out in performing an act of charity, the alleged evidence turns into something else — roses, fragrant water, or a crucifix.