The Departure of Saint Florian

Albrecht Altdorfer painted The Departure of Saint Florian around 1510 for the Uffizi, part of the Saint Florian cycle that is among his masterpieces. The scenes from the Austrian patron saint's life allowed Altdorfer to integrate his revolutionary landscape painting with traditional narrative hagiography. The oil medium allowed for rich tonal transitions and glazed layers of color that created luminous depth impossible with the older tempera technique. Such devotional panels served both liturgical contexts in churches and chapels and private devotional use in the homes of wealthy families who maintained personal altars and oratories.

The panel demonstrates Altdorfer's pioneering approach to landscape as an expressive element, with the figures departing through a luminous architectural and natural setting that is as emotionally charged as the narrative action.