Description
The Altarpiece of Saint Vincent, the panel of the Infants is a masterpiece of 15th century Portuguese art, painted by the artist Nuno Gonçalves. This painting is one of the most important of the period, not only because of its original size of 207 x 129 cm, but also because of its complexity and detail.
The artistic style of the painting is late Gothic, with a clear influence from the Flemish School. The composition is striking, with a central scene showing Saint Vincent enthroned surrounded by angels and saints, while surrounding him are various secondary scenes, including the panel of the Infants, depicting the sons of King John I of Portugal.
The coloring of the painting is vibrant and rich, with a palette of warm and bright colors. The details of the clothing and objects are impressive, with great attention to detail in every brush stroke.
The history of painting is fascinating. It was commissioned by King Alfonso V of Portugal in the 15th century for the Monastery of San Vicente de Fora in Lisbon. The painting was lost for many years and was rediscovered in the 19th century in the Sintra National Palace, where it had been used as a tabletop.
One of the lesser known aspects of the painting is that Nuno Gonçalves is not the only artist to have worked on it. Other artists are believed to have contributed to the work as well, making it even more impressive.
In short, the Altarpiece of Saint Vincent, the panel of the Infants is an exceptional work of art that combines a late Gothic artistic style with intricate and detailed composition, vibrant coloring, and a fascinating history. It is one of the most important works of 15th century Portuguese art and continues to be a source of inspiration and admiration for art lovers around the world.