UCCELLO, Paolo
(b. 1397, Firenze, d. 1475, Firenze)

Miracle of the Desecrated Host (Scene 2)

1465-69
Panel, 43 x 58 cm
Galleria Nazionale delle Marche, Urbino

The story of the Miracle of the Desecrated Host is told through the following six episodes:

(1) a woman sells the Host to a Jewish merchant;

(2) when the merchant tries to burn it, the Host begins to bleed;

(3) religious procession to reconsecrate the Host;

(4) the woman is punished and an angel descends from heaven;

(5) the Jewish merchant and his family are burnt at the stake;

(6) two angels and two devils fight over the woman's body.

The panels give us evidence of the artist's narrative ability, enhanced by lively colours and a charming fairytale mood.