The artwork, named “Polyptych of San Vincenzo Ferreri,” is a religious painting created by Giovanni Bellini between 1464 and 1468. Executed in tempera on a panel measuring 167 x 67 cm, this piece is an exemplar of the Early Renaissance art movement. The artwork is part of a polyptych series and currently resides in the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) in Venice, Italy.
The painting depicted in the artwork showcases a figure of a saint, likely St. Sebastian, bound to a post and pierced by multiple arrows, a motif traditionally associated with his martyrdom. The saint is shown with a crown of radiant light above his head, indicating his sanctified status. His expression is one of serene acceptance, reflecting his faith and endurance. The background features a landscape with buildings, trees, and a river, providing a serene contrast to the saint’s suffering. The blend of human agony with the tranquility of the surrounding landscape is characteristic of Bellini’s approach, emphasizing both the spiritual resilience of the saint and the beauty of the natural world. The meticulous use of tempera on the panel demonstrates Bellini’s mastery in blending realism with spiritual symbolism, a cornerstone of Early Renaissance art.
