PALMA VECCHIO
(b. 1480, Serina, d. 1528, Venezia)

Polyptych of St Barbara (central panel)

1524-25
Oil on panel, 214 x 85 cm
Santa Maria Formosa, Venice

The triptych was executed for the Scuola dei Bombardieri. The cannons at Barbara's feet acknowledge the trade of the bombardieri (gunners), but also furnish a warning not to play with fire.