Saint Nicholas of Tolentino from an Augustinian altarpiece 1450 - 1475

This panel, Saint Nicholas of Tolentino from an Augustinian altarpiece, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, presents us with a figure rendered in tempera on wood. Notice how the composition is dominated by the elongated, vertical form of Saint Nicholas, standing solemnly against a shimmering gold ground. The artist employs a limited palette, focusing on the contrast between the saint’s dark robes and the radiant halo that encircles his head, creating a visual hierarchy. The saint’s attributes—a book, a lily, and a sun—are not merely symbolic, but structural elements that guide the viewer's gaze and anchor the figure within the pictorial space. The use of line is precise, defining the contours of the figure and delineating the folds of the drapery. This linearity, combined with the flattened perspective, reflects a Byzantine influence, yet the artist also explores a more naturalistic representation of the human form. The checkered floor beneath the saint’s feet hints at depth, but ultimately, this panel functions as a symbolic construction rather than a realistic depiction. This tension between the abstract and the representational invites us to consider the work not only as a devotional image but also as a meditation on the nature of seeing and believing.