Artwork

Saint Anthony Abbot [left panel]

Saint Anthony Abbot [left panel], by Puccio di Simone, tempera, 1354
Saint Anthony Abbot [left panel], by Puccio di Simone, tempera, 1354

Saint Anthony Abbot [left panel] is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Puccio di Simone. It dates from 1354 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This work constitutes the left section of a larger triptych, presenting a bearded man in dark robes holding a staff.

Puccio di Simone's "Saint Anthony Abbot [left panel]" is a tempera painting created in 1354. This work constitutes the left section of a larger triptych, presenting a bearded man in dark robes holding a staff. The painting exemplifies 14th-century Italian panel painting, characterized by its structured composition and the prominent use of gold, which contributes to its overall visual richness and devotional quality.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork depicts a religious assembly across its three panels. The left panel, titled "Saint Anthony Abbot," features the venerable monastic figure. The central panel likely portrays the Madonna and Child seated on a throne, flanked by haloed figures, a common representation of divine majesty. The right panel completes the composition with a standing female saint, contributing to a unified sacred narrative designed for contemplation.

Technique & Style

Rendered in tempera on panel, the painting showcases the vibrant colors and precise detail achievable with this medium. A defining characteristic is the extensive application of gold, which illuminates the intricate patterns on the figures' garments and the central throne, imbuing the scene with a celestial glow. The composition is carefully organized, presenting the figures in a balanced and formal arrangement typical of the period's devotional art.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.