Birth of St. Nicholas of Bari

Luca Signorelli was one of the most prominent Renaissance painters in central Italy, along with artists such as Piero dell Francesca and Verrocchio. This painting depicts the birth of St. Nicholas of Bari, who is regarded by historians as a strictly legendary fourth-century character who was born to Christian parents in Asia Minor and dedicated his life to God. Here the infant St. Nicholas stands in a basin praying on the day of his birth. Kneeling women and the child’s father surround him to witness the miracle of such a small child’s devotion.