"Miracle of the True Cross at the Bridge of San Lorenzo" painted by Gentile Bellini is the illustration of one of the legends about the fall of the True Cross from the ship into the Venetian canal and further recovery of the relic. In spite of the religious plot, it is possible to note that the mentioned picture, to some extent, reflects Venice itself.
Firstly, the uniqueness of the given piece of art is in the following fact. Despite the religious context, the painter depicts several aspects which are associated with Venice. It should be emphasized that through the illustration of the miracle, the artist provides the audience with the image of the Renaissance Venice, including the peculiarities of architecture, canals, bridges, and citizens.
Secondly, it should be stated that the painter focuses not only on the depiction of the single individual but on the community. That is to say, the artist shows that people in Venice believed in God; thus, they were united.
At the same time, some researchers think that in this case, the artist depicted everything that he saw, considering the fact that Venice liked demonstrating its favor before God.
A unique connotation, which could be linked with the painting, is the desire of Venice to portray itself as the city protected by the God. The artist has managed to create such a connection between supernatural event and distinctive building of the city, thereby implying that the greatness of the city was linked with its religiosity.
Generally speaking, the painting is a story of the religion and of the nation.
The Miracle of the True Cross at the Bridge of San Lorenzo (c. 1500) is a famous Renaissance tempera-and-canvas painting by Italian artist Gentile Bellini. It depicts a legendary 1370 incident in Venice where a relic of the True Cross fell into a canal and miraculously floated, eluding rescuers.
