Trittico della Natività (detail) 1470

Gentile Bellini painted this detail of the Trittico della Natività as part of the artistic milieu of 15th-century Venice. The portrayal of God, an omnipotent figure, with white hair and beard, holding what appears to be the world, reflects the deeply embedded religious beliefs of the time. Bellini, as a respected artist in Venetian society, would have been influenced by the prevailing cultural norms. But, how do we reconcile this imposing figure with contemporary understandings of power and representation? The very act of depicting God raises questions about identity and authority. While Bellini's artwork perpetuates certain ideals, it also invites us to consider the emotional and personal dimensions of faith, offering a glimpse into the human desire to understand and connect with the divine.