The altar polyptych Coronation of the Virgin (Valle Romita Polyptych) – St. John the Baptist in the Desert, the Martyrdom of St. Peter of Verona Gentile da Fabriano (c.1370-1427)

The panel presents two distinct scenes framed by elaborate Gothic tracery. On the left, a figure is positioned within a rocky landscape, seemingly engaged in prayer or contemplation. He kneels before a craggy outcrop, his hands pressed together in supplication. The figure’s hair is long and unkempt, and he wears a simple garment belted at the waist. A halo encircles his head, signifying sanctity. The vegetation surrounding him appears sparse yet detailed, contributing to a sense of isolation and austerity.
The right side depicts a violent encounter unfolding within an urban setting. A man wielding a blade stands poised over a fallen figure clad in monastic robes. The victim lies prostrate on the ground, blood visibly staining his garments. A halo also surrounds this individual’s head. Behind them, buildings with tiled roofs and small windows are visible, suggesting a town or city backdrop. The aggressor is dressed in secular attire – red trousers, a tunic, and a green cap – contrasting sharply with the victims religious garb.
The juxtaposition of these two scenes creates a compelling narrative tension. The solitary figure on the left embodies spiritual devotion and penance, while the scene on the right portrays martyrdom and earthly conflict. The contrast in setting – the natural wilderness versus the built environment – further emphasizes this dichotomy. The placement of halos over both figures suggests that both experiences – prayerful solitude and violent death – are pathways to sanctity within a religious framework.
Subtly, the composition implies a connection between personal spiritual struggle and public persecution. The act of prayer may be interpreted as preparation for or response to the suffering depicted in the second scene. The inclusion of an urban setting in the martyrdom scene underscores the vulnerability of faith within a secular world. The overall effect is one of profound solemnity, inviting contemplation on themes of sacrifice, devotion, and the intersection of spiritual and physical realms.