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

The fragment presents two male figures positioned side-by-side against a shimmering gold background. Both appear to be engaged in gestures of solemnity and reverence. The figure on the left possesses a long, grey beard and hair, suggesting age or wisdom. His hand is raised in what appears to be a gesture of blessing or proclamation, while he holds a small, rolled document – likely a scroll – in his other hand. He wears a green tunic draped over a darker undergarment.
The figure on the right exhibits shorter, reddish-brown hair and beard. His expression conveys a sense of quiet contemplation. He too holds a small object, seemingly similar to the scroll held by the first figure, in his left hand. A pinkish-red cloak is draped over his dark tunic. Above him, a partial inscription can be discerned; the visible portion reads ΠΛΟΥ, which may represent part of a name or title.
The gold background is not uniformly applied; it appears textured and uneven, with areas of darker shading that create a sense of depth and luminosity. This treatment contributes to an ethereal quality, suggesting a divine realm. The figures are depicted in profile, typical of Byzantine artistic conventions, emphasizing their symbolic rather than realistic representation.
Subtly, the contrast between the two men’s appearances – the older, bearded figure versus the younger one – might allude to different stages of life or roles within a larger narrative. Their shared gesture and the presence of the scrolls suggest a common purpose or message they are conveying. The inscription above the right-hand figure hints at an identity that is significant to the context of the original work. The fragment’s isolated nature invites speculation about its place within a broader composition, possibly as part of a larger narrative cycle depicting religious figures or events.