The Stefaneschi Triptych (verso), detail – Pope Celestine V Giotto di Bondone (1266-1337)

Here we observe a close-up depiction of a male figure, presumably a high-ranking cleric given his elaborate attire and posture. He is positioned in profile, turned slightly towards the viewer, with a pronounced upward gaze directed beyond the frames boundaries. The man’s face exhibits an expression that blends humility and perhaps resignation; the downturned mouth suggests melancholy or acceptance of a difficult fate.
The figure is clad in opulent garments – a white robe heavily embroidered with gold patterns, and a tall, conical hat adorned with further golden embellishments. A voluminous green mantle drapes over his shoulders, its surface decorated with intricate heraldic designs. The meticulous rendering of the fabric’s folds and textures demonstrates considerable technical skill.
Behind him stands an ornate structure constructed from what appears to be gilded metalwork. This architectural element is complex in design, featuring multiple arches and decorative motifs that suggest a reliquary or shrine. A white cloth hangs from this structure, partially obscuring its details and creating a visual barrier between the figure and the object behind him.
The color palette is dominated by gold, white, and green, with touches of red visible in the background. The use of gold emphasizes the figure’s status and spiritual significance, while the white symbolizes purity or innocence. The overall effect is one of solemnity and reverence, tinged with a sense of underlying sadness.
Subtly, the composition hints at themes of power and submission. The mans posture – his bowed head and upward gaze – suggests deference to a higher authority or divine presence. The elaborate setting and rich attire underscore his position within a hierarchical system, yet his expression conveys an internal struggle or acceptance of a burden. The obscured reliquary could symbolize hidden truths or the complexities of faith. The cracking paint contributes to a sense of age and fragility, hinting at the passage of time and the impermanence of earthly power.