Portinari Altarpiece
The Portinari Altarpiece is a famous triptych painting created by the Italian artist Hugo van der Goes in the late 15th century. It was commissioned for the hospital of Santa Maria Nuova in Florence, Italy, and is considered one of the masterpieces of early Northern Renaissance art. The altarpiece features a central panel depicting the Nativity, flanked by scenes of the Annunciation and the Adoration of the Shepherds.
The artwork is notable for its rich colors, detailed figures, and emotional depth. It showcases the use of oil paint, which was innovative for its time. The Portinari Altarpiece also includes symbolic elements, such as the presence of flowers and fruits, representing the Virgin Mary's purity and the promise of salvation. Today, it is housed in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, attracting art lovers and historians alike.