Description
The painting St Augustine Altarpiece (right wing) by artist Luca Signorelli is an Italian Renaissance masterpiece that captivates with its artistic style, composition, and color. This work was painted in oil on wood in the year 1484 and its original size is 146 x 76 cm.
One of the most interesting features of this painting is its artistic style. Signorelli is known for his ability to create realistic and detailed human figures, and his skill in portraying the figure of Saint Augustine can be seen in this work. The saint is represented with a serene face and deep gaze, and his clothing is rich in detail and texture.
The composition of the painting is also impressive. The figure of Saint Augustine occupies the center of the scene, surrounded by a naturalistic landscape that includes mountains, trees, and a clear blue sky. In the background, a walled city can be seen suggesting the importance of the saint in the history of the church.
Color is another outstanding aspect of this work. Signorelli uses a rich and vibrant color palette to create an atmosphere of serenity and transcendence. The golden and red tones of the saint's clothing contrast with the blue of the sky and the green of the landscape, creating a sense of harmony and balance.
The history of the painting is also fascinating. This work was part of an altarpiece that was commissioned by the church of San Agustin in Siena, Italy. The altarpiece included several paintings depicting scenes from the life of Saint Augustine, and this work was one of the side pieces of the set.
Finally, a little known aspect of this work is that Signorelli used his own face as a model for the figure of Saint Augustine. This personal choice allowed him to create a more realistic and detailed figure, and also allowed him to connect with the character he was portraying in a deeper way.