The artwork, titled “The Story of St. Nicholas: Giving Dowry to Three Poor Girls,” was created by the renowned artist Fra Angelico between 1447 and 1448. Executed with tempera on panel, this piece belongs to the Early Renaissance art movement and is classified as a religious painting. It forms part of the Perugia Triptych series. The work captures a moment of generosity attributed to St. Nicholas, who is depicted in the act of providing dowries to three impoverished girls.
In the artwork, St. Nicholas is seen on the left side of the composition, standing on an elevated platform as he gestures towards the right. The scene takes place outside a modest building, where three girls are lying together in bed, inside a chamber visible through an open door. A man, perhaps their father, sits in despair close by, unaware of the saint’s act of charity. To the right, a figure in a red garment extends his hand toward a window, symbolizing hope and the eventual relief brought by St. Nicholas’ intervention. This composition emphasizes themes of compassion and philanthropy, central tenets of Christian teachings during the Early Renaissance.
