Mantegna - the San Zeno Altarpiece |
It is almost
impossible to fully appreciate the central image of this altarpiece from
a flat, two dimensional image on a screen or in a book. It is a
masterpiece of perspective. The trompe l'oeil features give an
extraordinary sense of depth, when you stand in front of it. The
garlands at the top look as if they are strung over the painting: The
red rug over the throne looks as if it is there for real. The image
becomes an extension of the space the viewer is standing in. |
A curious element is the circle behind the head of the Madonna, which at first glance seem to be a second nimbus. Not a classical image: it is a reference to the rose window on the facade of the basilica. |
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