The Crucifixion (left), The Prophecy of the Recovery of Hezekiah (center), Abbot Jacobus (right) Jacob de Backer (1555-1591)

The triptych presents three distinct yet interconnected narratives, unified by a shared visual language and compositional structure. The left panel depicts a scene of profound sorrow and sacrifice. Here we see Christ upon the cross, his body rendered with a degree of realism that emphasizes the physical suffering endured. A figure in dark robes stands nearby, her posture conveying grief and despair; she is likely Mary Magdalene. Below the cross, a skull rests on the ground, a traditional symbol of mortality and the transience of earthly existence. The landscape behind Christ is muted, contributing to the overall atmosphere of solemnity.
The central panel shifts focus to an Old Testament narrative. A regal figure, presumably King Hezekiah, kneels before a man who appears to be a prophet or healer. A young boy, seemingly ill, lies near a basin, suggesting a healing ritual is underway. The scene is bathed in light emanating from above, highlighting the divine intervention at play. Several other figures are present, observing the event with expressions of reverence and hope. The architectural setting – a richly decorated chamber – underscores the importance of the moment. A scroll or banner hangs overhead, bearing an inscription that likely details the prophecy being fulfilled.
The right panel portrays a portrait of a man in clerical garb, identified by an accompanying heraldic shield as Abbot Jacobus. He stands before a backdrop featuring another figure pointing upwards, possibly indicating divine guidance or inspiration. The Abbot holds a staff, a symbol of his authority and office. His expression is one of quiet dignity and perhaps contemplative introspection. This panel serves not only as a portrait but also as an assertion of the religious orders presence and influence.
The compositional arrangement across all three panels demonstrates a deliberate attempt at visual harmony. Each scene occupies roughly equal space, creating a sense of balance and symmetry. The use of similar color palettes – earth tones punctuated by touches of red and blue – further unifies the work. Subtly, the triptych explores themes of suffering, redemption, and divine intervention, linking the sacrifice of Christ to earlier prophetic events and grounding them in the contemporary context of religious authority. The contrast between the stark depiction of death on the left panel and the hopeful scene of healing in the center creates a dynamic tension that invites contemplation on the cyclical nature of faith and renewal.