Saint Apollonia Destroys a Pagan Idol c. 1442 - 1445

Giovanni d'Alemagna painted *Saint Apollonia Destroys a Pagan Idol* in the 15th century, using tempera on wood. The composition is dominated by the strong verticality of the idol's pedestal, softened by the curves of the arch at the top of the panel. The architectural setting provides a stage for the iconoclasm. Note the delicate balance of the classical forms and the muted tones of the buildings against the vibrancy of the figures' clothing. Apollonia, placed high on the ladder, occupies a liminal space between action and contemplation. Her gesture and the idol's static pose create a visual dialogue about power and belief. The faces in the crowd, rendered with careful detail, invite us to consider the varied perspectives on the events unfolding. The painting invites us to consider how cultural values are formed and reformed through the destruction and construction of symbols.