Diptych of Saints Achatius, Barbara, Apollonia, and Sebald c. 1490

This tempera on canvas diptych, created by an anonymous artist around 1490, depicts four saints: Achatius, Barbara, Apollonia, and Sebald. The saints are presented in pairs, with Achatius and Barbara on one panel, and Apollonia and Sebald on the other. The panel pictured here shows Achatius, holding a palm branch, standing next to Barbara, who wears a crown. This piece is part of a larger collection of sacred art that was created in Italy during the Late Gothic period, a time when religious fervor and artistic creativity were intertwined. The painting reflects this era's artistic sensibilities, showcasing a delicate use of color and a refined attention to detail. The saints' expressions, clothing, and gestures convey their individual stories and attributes, while the overall composition emphasizes the devotional aspect of the work.