The artwork, “St. Benedict,” created by Piero della Francesca between 1444 and 1464, is an oil, panel, and tempera composition exemplifying the Early Renaissance art movement. Measuring 54 x 21 cm, this religious painting is part of the “Polyptych of the Misericordia” series and is currently housed in the Museo Civico di Sansepolcro in Sansepolcro, Italy.
The artwork depicts St. Benedict, a central figure in Christian monasticism. He is portrayed in a frontal, full-length pose, donning a simple monastic robe and holding a staff, reflecting his humility and pious nature. The background, rendered in muted tones, emphasizes the solemnity and stoic presence of the saint. The texture and intricate details of the fabric, combined with the subdued yet masterful use of light and shadow, are hallmarks of Piero della Francesca’s style, encapsulating the serene and contemplative essence of the figure.
