Artwork
The Miracle of the Ice
The Miracle of the Ice is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Pietro Lorenzetti. It dates from 1332 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.
About this work
Overview
The Miracle of the Ice, painted in 1332 by Pietro Lorenzetti, is a Sienese painting from the early 14th century. It exemplifies the artist's contribution to the introduction of naturalism in Sienese art, alongside his brother Ambrogio.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene indoor scene where a group, including figures in dark robes with white hoods, gathers calmly around a person seated on a bed. The specific miracle or event unfolding is not overtly dramatic, suggesting a contemplative or miraculous moment.
Technique & Style
Lorenzetti employs spatial and three-dimensional techniques that presage Renaissance innovations, while adhering to Byzantine iconography traditions prevalent at the time. Notable elements include a red-tiled roof and stone floor, enhancing the sense of depth and realism.
History & Provenance
Created in 1332, the work is now part of the collection at the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Its creation reflects the collaborative influence of Pietro and his brother Ambrogio in Sienese artistic evolution.
Context
Situated within the early 14th-century Sienese art scene, the painting bridges late medieval stylistic conventions with early hints of Renaissance naturalism, characteristic of the Lorenzetti brothers' innovative approach.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pietro Lorenzetti (Italian: ; c. 1280 – 1348) or Pietro Laurati was an Italian painter, active between c. 1306 and 1345. Together with his younger brother Ambrogio, he introduced naturalism into Sienese art. In their…
![Saint Catherine of Alexandria, with an Angel [right panel], by Pietro Lorenzetti](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-lorenzetti--saint-catherine-of-alexandria-with-an-angel-right-panel--8acb359f1d360041-w320.webp)
Saint Catherine of Alexandria, with an Angel [right panel]![Saint Mary Magdalene, with an Angel [left panel], by Pietro Lorenzetti](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-lorenzetti--saint-mary-magdalene-with-an-angel-left-panel--c015f106a0790d0d-w320.webp)
Saint Mary Magdalene, with an Angel [left panel]![Madonna and Child, with the Blessing Christ [middle panel], by Pietro Lorenzetti](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-lorenzetti--madonna-and-child-with-the-blessing-christ-middle-panel--02357aa6ff04175b-w320.webp)
Madonna and Child, with the Blessing Christ [middle panel]![Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Mary Magdalene and Catherine of Alexandria with Angels [entire triptych], by Pietro Lorenzetti](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-lorenzetti--madonna-and-child-with-the-blessing-christ-and-saints-mary-m--f78e415f61769b64-w320.webp)
Madonna and Child with the Blessing Christ, and Saints Mary Magdalene and Catherine of Alexandria with Angels [entire triptych]
Virgin and Child Enthroned and Donor, Angels
St. Humility heals a sick Nun
Virgin and Child with St John and St Francis
Szene aus dem Leben des Hl. Vinzenz Ferrer: Der Vater führt den Knaben Vinzenz zu den Dominikaners, von denen er drei Tage später eingekleidet wird
Birth of John the Baptist
Saint Francis raises a child from the dead
Saint Anthony Distributing His Wealth to the Poor
Saint Nicholas Providing Dowries
Szene aus dem Leben des Hl. Vinzenz Ferrer: Durch Aufregungen infolge des Schismas erkrankt der Heilige; er wird am Krankenbett vom Heiligen Dominikus besucht und von Christus geheilt
The Death of Saint Clare
The Birth and Naming of Saint John the Baptist
Interment of Saint Francis
The Lamentation over St Francis
Stories of St. Nicholas. Saint Nicholas presenting Gifts to Three Pool girls