Sant'Onofrio Altarpiece

The Sant'Onofrio Altarpiece is a stunning painting by Luca Signorelli, a renowned Italian Renaissance artist. This masterpiece is housed in the Museo dell'Opera del Duomo, located in the Cathedral of Perugia, Italy. The painting was commissioned in 1484 by Bishop Jacopo Vagnucci, who hailed from Cortona, the same town where Signorelli was born.

The artwork presents a "Sacra Conversazione" scene, where the Virgin Mary and the Child Jesus are seated on a lofty throne. Mary is shown reading a Bible, while Jesus holds a white lily, symbolizing her purity. Surrounding this divine duo are various figures, including St. John the Baptist, St. Lawrence, angels, and other saints.

Signorelli's style in this painting draws inspiration from several influential artists of his time. One can observe elements reminiscent of Ercole de' Roberti, Donatello, Filippo Lippi, and Piero della Francesca. Additionally, the painting features touches that echo the Venetian school of art, possibly influenced by works such as Antonello da Messina's San Cassiano Altarpiece.