The artwork titled “The Story of St. Nicholas: St. Nicholas saves the ship” was created by the renowned artist Fra Angelico between 1447 and 1448. This religious painting, crafted with tempera on a panel, is part of the Early Renaissance art movement and belongs to the Perugia Triptych series.
In the artwork, Fra Angelico depicts a miraculous scene where St. Nicholas saves a ship amidst a turbulent sea. Central to the composition, St. Nicholas can be seen emitting a divine aura, descending from the heavens to intervene in the seafaring catastrophe. The dramatic, swirling waters and the distressed figures on the ship vividly convey the perilous situation. On the left side, figures onshore are engaged in various activities, creating a stark contrast with the chaos at sea. The architectural elements in the background suggest a coastal town, grounding the miraculous event in a tangible reality. The intricate details and vibrant colors evoke the spiritual fervor and artistic mastery characteristic of the Early Renaissance.