On the occasion of the event “1516-2016: An Anniversary for the History of Nice,” the Museum of Fine Arts presents the altarpiece of Saint Michael painted by Antonio Brea in 1516 in Nice. Originating from Nice, the Brea family initiated a genuine pictorial emulation between Genoa and Marseille during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Until September 18, visitors will be able to discover this masterful work (4 meters by 3 meters, weighing over 400 kilograms) which has been removed from its original wall since the beginning of 2014 for important restoration work.
Scientific analyses conducted on this 8-panel altarpiece during its restoration have revealed craftsmanship qualities that make this composition Antonio Brea’s major work dedicated to the Archangel Saint Michael.
This ensemble presents an iconographic program characteristic of periods of turmoil where epidemics and crises of all kinds sparked a resurgence of faith in spiritual values.
Thus, the gentle and trustful faces of Saint Nicholas, Saint Peter, Saint John, or Saint Mary Magdalene provide a representation of the world and humanity founded on the accessibility of the supernatural world.
