“The Story of St. Nicholas. St. Nicholas saves the ship (detail)” is a panel tempera painting created by Fra Angelico between 1447 and 1448. This work is classified under the Early Renaissance art movement and belongs to the genre of religious painting. It is a part of the Perugia Triptych series.
The artwork showcases a maritime scene where St. Nicholas performs a miracle by saving a ship amidst perilous conditions. The detailed depiction features a robust ship, laden with sails and mast, positioned prominently in the background against a rocky, mountainous landscape. In the foreground, two figures are actively engaged in handling sacks of grain, indicating the practical aspects of their livelihood, with one individual pouring the grain into a sack held by another figure. The precise brushstrokes and the harmonious use of color typical of the Early Renaissance period underscore the narrative of divine intervention and the everyday life of sailors and merchants. This painting reflects the skillful integration of religious themes with the realism and naturalism that characterize Fra Angelico’s work.
