The artwork, titled “Polyptych of San Vincenzo Ferreri,” was created by Giovanni Bellini between 1464 and 1468. Executed on panel using tempera, the work is a significant piece from the Early Renaissance period. The dimensions of the artwork measure 167 by 67 centimeters. As a religious painting, it falls within the genre of polyptych, which comprises multiple panels. The artwork is currently housed in the Basilica dei Santi Giovanni e Paolo (San Zanipolo) in Venice, Italy.
The depicted panel of the polyptych features a poignant and detailed image of a saint, who is likely Saint Sebastian, shown bound to a tree and pierced by arrows. The figure stands with a serene yet somber expression, despite the apparent suffering. The background showcases a landscape with a serene sky, and distant buildings, enhancing the contrast between the saint’s agony and the tranquil surroundings. The use of tempera allows for vivid coloration and fine detailing, which are hallmarks of Bellini’s style and the Early Renaissance art movement.
