The artwork “St. Fredianus Diverts the River Serchio” was crafted by the artist Filippo Lippi around the year 1438. This religious painting, following the Early Renaissance movement’s principles, was created using tempera on wood. It measures 40 cm in height by 235 cm in length and currently resides in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy.
The artwork itself depicts a scene of religious significance. On the left side, a group of reverent figures, led by a bishop identified as St. Fredianus, who is adorned in a richly hued robe and a bishop’s mitre, can be seen orchestrating the redirection of a river as evidenced by his outstretched arm and hand holding a staff. The flowing water of the river Serchio is portrayed midway, diverting its course in response to the saint’s miraculous intervention. The artwork successfully captures a miraculous narrative, showcasing the influence and holiness attributed to St. Fredianus.
One can observe the attention to detail in the drapery of the clothing and the use of perspective to give depth to the scene, characteristic of the Early Renaissance style. The soft color palette and the emphasis on the linear contouring of the figures demonstrate the artist’s skillful blend of realism and spiritual storytelling. The expressions and postures of the onlookers reflect their amazement and veneration towards the saintly act, inviting the viewer to contemplate the divine narrative unfolding before them.
