St. Lucy Altarpiece

My first thought walking up to the main panel of the St. Lucy Altarpiece was how much darker it is than what I had been expecting. But this in no way took away from the amazement that struck me as I noticed the great detail Veneziano put into this piece. While I had read that St. Lucy was holding her eyeballs (which according to tradition had been plucked out) on the tablet in her hand they are not clearly visible in photographs. Looking at the painting in person you are able to take in important details like St.Lucy’s eyes, as well as the intricate brushwork that went into creating the furs worn by John the Baptist and the bishop’s clothing. In the Bishop’s robe trim there is incredibly realistic beadwork that really feels three-dimensional. There is also a great deal of detail in the texture of the marble floor and the carpet below Mary. The thin halos used are also more evident in person and have a golden gleam. The detail in this painting is incredible. It held my attention for quite some time and I’m sure if I had studied the piece longer I would have noticed even more of these details. The other important thing to take note of in this piece is the use of the sacred conversation; the figures are engaged with one another. The saints are all responding to Mary. It helps to direct your eye to her and focus your attention on her. 

-Allie