Polyptych of San Vincenzo Ferreri 1468

Giovanni Bellini painted this panel of the Polyptych of San Vincenzo Ferreri, now in Venice, during the vibrant Renaissance. Notice the figures, some in conversation, others engaged in commerce. But above, a winged figure hovers, a motif of divine intervention. This symbol has roots stretching back to antiquity. We see winged deities in Mesopotamian reliefs and Greek vase paintings, representing speed, power, and the connection between the earthly and divine realms. In Bellini's time, this motif evolved, often representing angels or holy figures. Yet, the inherent emotional power remains: the sense of awe, the feeling of being watched over, and the hope for heavenly intervention. Such symbolism speaks to our collective desire for protection and guidance, a yearning echoed through centuries of art. Observe how Bellini masterfully weaves together classical and Christian traditions, reflecting the Renaissance’s own cyclical return to ancient ideals.