The biggest polyptych of Ponente Ligure

Name: Canavesio Polyptych
Item: Canavesio Polyptych
Author: KarlH

An altarpiece which consists of a number of panels is called a polyptych, ‘poly’ meaning many in Greek. In the most popular form the main tier would consist of a central panel containing the figure of a saint or, more often, the Virgin and Child, and the side panels would contain figures of single or paired saints. Other, smaller panels might contain half-length figures of saints ranged above the main tier. The whole structure would be mounted on a predella, made up of small rectangular panels often with narrative scenes.
The masterpiece of Giovanni Canavesio, the St. Michele Polyptych, had been realized by the artist in 1500. This polyptych is the biggest of the Ponente Ligure, it’s 4.5 metres high, divided in 36 piece, who illustrates St. Michele (in the central panel) and other Saints, painted on gold background. The Predella illustrates the Jesus life and the twelve apostles. The polyptych is located in the central church of Pigna.

Canavesio Polyptych

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Canavesio Polyptych

Canavesio Polyptych

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