Saint Clare rescuing the shipwrecked

Executed in tempera on panel, the painting showcases di Paolo’s characteristic delicate line work and luminous color palette. The deep blue sky and the frothy, almost sculptural waves contrast with the soft modeling of the saint’s garments, while the still‑white sail appears to defy the surrounding storm, emphasizing a miraculous calm.

Created in Siena in the mid‑15th century, the panel entered the German market by the early 19th century, eventually being acquired by the Berlin Gemäldegalerie. Documentation traces its ownership through several private collections before its museum accession, confirming its continuous attribution to Giovanni di Paolo.

The work reflects a broader medieval tradition of visualizing saints intervening in everyday perils, a motif that resonated with a populace accustomed to the hazards of sea travel. By portraying Saint Clare in a maritime rescue, the painting aligns with contemporary devotional practices that sought the saint’s intercession for safe passage.