Description
The painting Quaratesi Polyptych: The Birth of St Nicholas by the artist Gentil Da Fabriano is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance art. This artwork was created in the 15th century and depicts the story of the birth of Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of children and sailors.
The artistic style used by Gentil Da Fabriano in this painting is International Gothic, characterized by its rich ornamentation and attention to detail. The composition of the work is very interesting, as it presents a complex scene with multiple figures on different planes. The central figure is the Virgin Mary, who stands in the center of the composition holding the newborn Saint Nicholas in her arms. Around it, we find angels, shepherds and wise men, all of them represented with great detail and realism.
The color used in the painting is very vibrant and light, creating a feeling of joy and celebration. Gold and silver tones are used on the characters' clothing, giving them a heavenly look. Additionally, the oil painting technique used by the artist allows for great depth and detail in shadows and reflections.
The history of the painting is very interesting, as it was commissioned by the Quaratesi family, one of the richest and most powerful families in Florence in the 15th century. The work was originally in the church of Santa Trinita in Florence, but is now in the National Gallery of Art in Washington DC
A little known aspect of the painting is that Gentil Da Fabriano used his own image as a model for one of the shepherds found in the composition. This is a sample of the great realism and detail that the artist put into his works.
In short, the painting Quaratesi Polyptych: The Birth of St Nicholas by artist Gentil Da Fabriano is a masterpiece of Italian Renaissance art that stands out for its artistic style, composition, color, and detail. Its history and little-known aspects make this work a treasure of world art.