Who painted Trittico di Lepreno?

Trittico di Lepreno was painted by Francesco di Simone da Santacroce in 1484.

Where can I see Trittico di Lepreno?

Trittico di Lepreno is held by Accademia Carrara.

Artwork

Trittico di Lepreno

Francesco di Simone da Santacroce , 1484

Trittico di Lepreno is a tempera painting by Francesco di Simone da Santacroce. It dates from 1484 and is held in the collection of the Accademia Carrara.

About this work

Overview

The *Trittico di Lepreno* is a tempera triptych executed circa 1484 by Francesco di Simone da Santacroce, an Italian painter active in the late Quattrocento. The work, now part of the Accademia Carrara collection, presents three vertically aligned panels that each portray a distinct religious figure within a shared compositional framework.

Subject & Meaning

The iconography suggests a narrative of martyrdom and ecclesiastical authority.

Each panel centers on a saintly figure rendered in formal attire: the left shows a bearded man in a green robe clutching a white banner; the central image features a man in orange robes holding a green book and a staff, with a shell pendant; the right panel depicts a warrior saint in black armor bearing a red flag and sword. The iconography suggests a narrative of martyrdom and ecclesiastical authority.

Technique & Style

Executed in tempera, the panels display the crisp linearity and luminous color typical of late‑15th‑century Venetian painting. The figures are set against hazy mountainous landscapes with distant architecture, creating a shallow spatial depth while maintaining a dignified, static pose. The handling of light and the delicate modeling of drapery reflect the influence of Giovanni Bellini on Santacroce’s style.

History & Provenance

Francesco di Simone da Santacroce worked primarily in the Bergamo‑Venice area, absorbing the prevailing Renaissance idioms of the period. The *Trittico di Lepreno* entered the Accademia Carrara’s holdings through acquisition in the 19th century, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s early Venetian collection.

Context

The triptych format was commonly employed for devotional altarpieces in northern Italy during the late Gothic to early Renaissance transition. Santacroce’s work aligns with this tradition, integrating contemporary Venetian coloristic approaches while retaining a conservative, narrative focus suitable for ecclesiastical settings.