Saint Catherine [right wing exterior]

This exterior panel depicting Saint Catherine from the Starck Triptych would have been visible when the altarpiece was closed, presenting the saint to viewers during ordinary days when the interior remained hidden. The grisaille or muted exterior panels of Netherlandish and German triptychs typically showed saints or donors in a more restrained style than the colorful interiors, creating a dramatic visual effect when the altarpiece was opened for feast days.

The oil-on-panel exterior panel demonstrates the restrained technique appropriate to altarpiece exterior wings, with more subdued colors than the brilliant interior. The precise drawing and careful rendering of the saint's attributes reflect the Cologne school's refined craftsmanship.