Saint Gregory 1400

Cennino Cennini painted Saint Gregory in the early fifteenth century, using tempera on panel. The composition is dominated by the saint’s figure, elongated and frontal against a radiant gold background. The folds of his green robe create a rhythmic pattern, directing the eye downwards. This contrasts with the rigid, upright posture of the figure, which is characteristic of the International Gothic style. Cennini uses line to define form, particularly in the delicate rendering of the face and hands. The restrained color palette, dominated by green and gold, enhances the solemn mood. The flatness of the pictorial space removes any sense of depth, emphasizing the symbolic nature of the depiction. By using traditional techniques and a formal structure, Cennini’s ‘Saint Gregory’ communicates religious ideals. It evokes contemplation, and its cultural and philosophical context reflects a time of both religious devotion and growing artistic innovation.