Artwork
Scenes from the Life of King Nebuchadnezzar
Scenes from the Life of King Nebuchadnezzar is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Nicola di Maestro Antonio d'Ancona. It dates from 1495 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created by Nicola di Maestro Antonio d'Ancona in 1495, Scenes from the Life of King Nebuchadnezzar is a tempera painting structured as a triptych.
Created by Nicola di Maestro Antonio d'Ancona in 1495, Scenes from the Life of King Nebuchadnezzar is a tempera painting structured as a triptych. This multi-paneled work illustrates various episodes from the biblical narrative of King Nebuchadnezzar, presenting a sequential visual story. The artwork is currently housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering insight into late 15th-century Italian painting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting unfolds across three distinct panels, each depicting a moment from the life of King Nebuchadnezzar. The left section portrays figures gathered within a courtyard, framed by a prominent archway. The central panel focuses on a group surrounding a figure wielding a sword, suggesting a moment of conflict or judgment. The rightmost scene culminates with a crowned king seated on a throne, likely representing Nebuchadnezzar himself in a position of authority.
Technique & Style
Executed in tempera, the painting exhibits a palette characterized by its brightness and vividness, a common attribute of this medium. The artist, Nicola di Maestro Antonio d'Ancona, employed a meticulous approach, evident in the intricate details rendered across the composition. This precision extends to the elaborate designs visible on the figures' garments and the architectural elements, showcasing a refined craftsmanship typical of the period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nicola di Maestro Antonio d'Ancona
Nicola di Maestro Antonio d'Ancona (1460–1511) was an artist, born in Ancona.
