Description
The Funeral of St Lucy is a masterpiece by the Italian artist Altichiero Da Zevio, painted around 1385 in the city of Padua. This large original size (237 x 290 cm) oil painting is one of the most important works of the Gothic style in Italy.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with a large number of figures in different positions and attitudes. The main scene shows the funeral of Saint Lucia, with her body surrounded by a large number of saints and angels. In the background, you can see a view of the city of Padua, with its characteristic towers and buildings.
The coloring of the painting is vibrant and rich in nuances, with a palette of warm and bright colors that contrast with the dark tones of the characters' clothing. The details of the clothing and ornaments are meticulous and lifelike, demonstrating the artist's technical skill.
The history of the painting is interesting, as it was commissioned by the Carrara family, rulers of Padua at the time. The work was created to decorate the family's funerary chapel in the church of San Fermo Maggiore in Verona.
One of the lesser known aspects of this painting is the presence of a female figure at the center of the composition, believed by many to be a representation of the artist's own wife. This figure, clad in an elaborate red gown, appears to be at the center of the action, surrounded by the surrounding saints and angels.
In short, The Funeral of St Lucy is a masterpiece of Italian Gothic art, noted for its impressive composition, vibrant coloring, and rich history. It is a painting that deserves to be admired and studied for its beauty and its artistic value.