Trittico della Natività (detail) 1470

The "Trittico della Natività" (detail) is a triptych painted by Gentile Bellini in 1470. The central panel of this altarpiece, dedicated to the Nativity of Christ, is now lost, but the side panels, depicting Saint John the Baptist and Saint Anthony Abbot, survive. The artist's interest in portraiture is evident in the realistic depictions of the saints. The use of gold leaf, typical of early Renaissance art, adds a sense of richness and luminosity to the artwork. These panels offer a glimpse into Bellini's early work, showcasing his mastery of detail and his ability to portray figures with solemnity and grandeur.