Description
The painting Polyptych of Santa Maria della Celestia by artist Lorenzo Veneziano is a 14th-century masterpiece housed in the Galleria dell'Accademia in Venice. This work is a polyptych, that is, a painting divided into several sections or panels, which was created for the church of Santa Maria della Celestia in Venice.
Lorenzo Veneziano's artistic style is very characteristic of the era in which he lived, the so-called International Gothic. This style is characterized by the use of graceful and delicate shapes, as well as attention to detail and decoration. In the Polyptych of Santa Maria della Celestia, these characteristics can be appreciated in the way in which the artist has represented the saints and angels that appear in the work.
The composition of the painting is very interesting, as it is divided into several panels that represent different scenes. The central panel shows the Virgin with Child surrounded by angels and saints, while the side panels depict scenes from the life of Saint Francis and Saint John the Baptist. The composition is very well balanced and the use of linear perspective gives a sense of depth and three-dimensionality to the work.
Color is another remarkable aspect of the Polyptych of Santa Maria della Celestia. Lorenzo Veneziano used a very rich and varied color palette, with shades of gold, red, blue and green. The colors blend harmoniously and give the work a feeling of lightness and vitality.
The history of the painting is also very interesting. It was commissioned by the Franciscan order for the church of Santa Maria della Celestia in Venice, where it was exhibited for several centuries. After the suppression of the order in the 19th century, the painting was transferred to the Galleria dell'Accademia in Venice, where it can be admired today.
As for little-known aspects, Lorenzo Veneziano is known to have worked on the Polyptych of Santa Maria della Celestia together with his brother, Giovanni. It is also believed that the work was completed in a relatively short period of time, demonstrating the skill and experience of the artist.
In short, the Polyptych of Santa Maria della Celestia is a masterpiece of international Gothic art, noted for its artistic style, composition, color, and rich history. It is a work that continues to fascinate art lovers and deserves to be admired in person to appreciate all its beauty and detail.