Dalmatian – Two Apostles – Fragment of Predella Part 2 National Gallery UK

The fragment presents two male figures positioned side-by-side against a heavily gilded background. The gold leaf is visibly aged and cracked, contributing to a sense of antiquity and perhaps suggesting a deliberate aesthetic choice evoking Byzantine artistic traditions. Both men are depicted in the manner typical of religious iconography; their gazes are directed outward, beyond the frame, conveying an air of solemnity and spiritual focus.
The figure on the left possesses a more mature appearance, characterized by a short beard and receding hairline. He is draped in a green cloak over a pink tunic, and his right hand is raised in a gesture that could be interpreted as either blessing or admonishment. The other man, positioned to his right, appears younger, with smoother features and shorter hair. His attire consists of a red cloak layered over a blue garment, and he points with his index finger towards an unseen direction.
The composition’s simplicity is striking. Theres no discernible landscape or architectural setting; the figures exist within a flattened space defined by their garments and the pervasive gold background. This lack of spatial depth reinforces the symbolic nature of the scene, prioritizing spiritual significance over realistic representation. The limited color palette – primarily greens, reds, pinks, blues, and gold – further contributes to this sense of austerity and formality.
Subtleties in the rendering suggest a degree of individualization within the constraints of the iconographic style. While adhering to established conventions, there are slight variations in facial features and gestures that hint at distinct personalities. The pointing gesture of the younger figure introduces an element of narrative direction; it implies a shared focus or message being conveyed to the viewer or to another unseen participant.
The fragment’s condition – the cracking gold leaf, the slightly worn paint surfaces – adds layers of meaning. It speaks not only to the passage of time but also potentially to the veneration and handling that such an object would have experienced within a devotional context. The damage is not merely a consequence of age; it becomes part of the artwork’s history and contributes to its overall impact.