St. Alexander overturns the table of idolaters Talpino (Enea Salmeggia) (1558-1626)

The composition presents a dramatic scene unfolding within what appears to be a grand hall or palace setting. A central figure, clad in crimson robes and adorned with a crown, is being physically displaced by another man dressed as a soldier. The soldiers forceful action – kicking the seated figure – dominates the visual narrative, conveying an immediate sense of disruption and power dynamics. He wears armor and carries a spear, suggesting military authority.
The seated individual’s posture communicates shock and indignation; his hands are raised in protest, while his expression registers surprise and perhaps humiliation. The surrounding figures contribute to the overall atmosphere of upheaval. Some appear to be witnesses, their faces reflecting varying degrees of astonishment or concern. Others seem actively involved, gesturing emphatically as if participating in the unfolding event. A group of individuals is visible through an archway on the left side of the painting; they are engaged in what appears to be a ritualistic scene involving miniature figures, adding another layer of symbolic complexity.
The artist employs a warm color palette – dominated by reds, golds, and browns – which lends a sense of richness and grandeur to the setting. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting key figures and emphasizing the intensity of the moment. The use of chiaroscuro creates depth and volume, further enhancing the theatrical quality of the scene.
Subtleties within the painting suggest deeper meanings beyond a simple depiction of physical confrontation. The overturned table – a focal point in the composition – symbolizes the rejection of established traditions or beliefs. The presence of the miniature figures through the archway hints at a larger narrative involving religious conflict and the suppression of pagan practices. The soldier’s action can be interpreted as an act of righteous intervention, representing the triumph of one ideology over another. The scene appears to portray a moment of decisive change, where established order is challenged and overturned by a force asserting its dominance.