Trionfo dell'eternità 1450

Lo Scheggia, born in 1406, painted this Triumph of Eternity. It is an egg tempera on wood, with a vibrant yet subtly organized composition. The upper register hosts heavenly figures, painted with a linear and somewhat flattened perspective. The lower section shows an earthy realm with an apocalyptic scene. The composition employs distinct registers to separate the divine from the terrestrial, reinforcing a hierarchical structure. The bright hues and gold leaf in the upper part contrast sharply with the earth-toned lower area. This contrast isn't just aesthetic; it's semiotic. Gold signifies the divine, while the darker colors invoke mortality. The figures, rendered with simple yet expressive lines, inhabit a space that predates the complexities of Renaissance perspective. The flattening of space and the stylization of forms reflect a medieval sensibility, yet the detailed faces suggest an emerging interest in naturalism. This combination of styles complicates any straightforward reading of the piece, challenging fixed notions of artistic progression. The work, thus, is not merely a religious depiction but an exploration of form and meaning.