San Zeno Altarpiece

The San Zeno Altarpiece by Andrea Mantegna, created circa 1456–1459, is a remarkable example of a religious painting from the early Italian Renaissance, blending Greco-Roman classical themes with Christian symbolism. This High renaissance polyptych, situated in Verona’s Basilica di San Zeno, features the central panel and predella scenes rendered in tempera on panel. Although the main central scene was stolen by the French in 1797 and later returned, the original predella paintings remain in French museums, with Verona displaying copies. Mantegna’s style integrates classical and Christian motifs, exemplifying the sophisticated artistry of the period.