Sansepolcro Altarpiece

Summary

The Ascension of Christ (also known as Sansepolcro Altarpiece; Italian: Pala di Sansepolcro) is an oil painting on panel by Italian Renaissance master Perugino, dating from around 1510. It is housed in the Cathedral of Sansepolcro, Tuscany, Italy.

Ascension of Christ
ArtistPerugino
Yearc. 1510
MediumOil on panel
Dimensions332.5 cm × 266 cm (130.9 in × 105 in)
LocationSansepolcro Cathedral

Description edit

The works adopts the same composition in the central panel of Perugino's San Pietro Polyptych. However, because of its greater size, he enhanced some decorative details, such as the ribbons held by the angels. The work also saw a massive collaboration of the artist's workshop.

Christ is portrayed within an almond hovering at the top center of the panel, surrounded by flying or playing angels, while the frame has heads of cherubim and seraphims. The lower group includes Mary and the Apostles, with an Umbrian landscape in the background, characterized by slender trees.

Sources edit

  • Garibaldi, Vittoria (2007). "Perugino". Pittori del Rinascimento. Florence: Scala. ISBN 978-8881170999.