The artwork, titled “Polyptych of San Vincenzo Ferreri,” was created by Giovanni Bellini between 1464 and 1468. This religious painting, executed in tempera on a panel, is a part of the Early Renaissance art movement. Measuring 36 by 60 centimeters, it forms part of the larger Polyptych series. Presently, the artwork is housed in the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) in Venice, Italy.
The artwork depicts a poignant scene of a martyrdom. The central figure of the saint stands bound to a column, with numerous arrows piercing his body, symbolizing his suffering and sacrifice. He is adorned with a halo, signifying his sanctity, and his expression conveys a solemn acceptance of his martyrdom. The landscape background features a serene, pastoral setting, contrasting sharply with the brutality of the scene in the foreground. The meticulous attention to detail and the delicate handling of the tempera paint are evident in the rendering of the saint’s musculature, the folds of his loincloth, and the distant architecture. Bellini’s masterful use of color and light further enhances the spiritual and emotional impact of the artwork.
