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This altarpiece is considered Ortolano’s masterpiece. In it he achieves effects of startling realism through his deep understanding of anatomy, optics and perspective. It was made for the church of S. Maria in Bondeno, a small town to the north-west of Ferrara. Saints Sebastian (centre) and Roch (left), both invoked in times of plague, are accompanied by Saint Demetrius (right). Saint Demetrius is rare in Italian art – so rare he is identified here by a paper at his feet. He wears full plate armour, the reflections in its polished surface depicted with incredible skill. His gesture – thoughtfully resting his face on his hand – echoes Raphael’s Saint Paul in the Saint Cecilia Altarpiece (Pinacoteca Nazionale, Bologna). However, Ortolano’s decision to cover Saint Demetrius' mouth is very unusual.
Title
Saints Sebastian, Roch and Demetrius
Date
about 1520
Medium
Oil on canvas
Measurements
H 230.4 x W 154.9 cm
Accession number
NG669
Acquisition method
Bought, 1861
Work type
Painting
