The Charity of Saint Nicholas of Bari (left Wing of the Altarpiece) 1330

Ambrogio Lorenzetti painted "The Charity of Saint Nicholas of Bari" using tempera on wood around 1332. A symmetrical doorway frames the scene, bisecting the pictorial space into zones of action and repose. To the left, a figure in pink, presumably Saint Nicholas, places gold into a room. To the right, are three sleeping maidens and a man who appears to be in distress. The compact composition reflects a narrative clarity and a moral lesson. Lorenzetti's use of line and geometric shapes—the arches above the sleeping figures, the linear folds of the clothing, and the red floor tiles—create a visually engaging scene. Notice the contrast between the gold-leaf background and the muted tones of the interior, a contrast that serves to emphasize the altruistic act of Saint Nicholas. The layering of space and form invite us to interpret the deeper meanings embedded within this work.