Nicola Samorì's altarpiece replaces Carpaccio at Venice's San Giorgio Maggiore

The Benedictine Community of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice commissioned contemporary artist Nicola Samorì to create a site-specific altarpiece, "Primo Martire," temporarily filling the gap left by Vittore Carpaccio's 16th-century altarpiece, which is on loan. The work is installed in the Cappella del Conclave (Coro Notturno), a hidden wing of the abbey. Samorì's painting inverts the original composition: instead of Saint George slaying the dragon with the stoning of Saint Stephen in the background, Stephen now dominates the scene, with George reduced to a heraldic emblem on Stephen's cloak. The artist, who lives in a former oratory from 1548 dedicated to Saint Sebastian, describes the work as a contemporary attempt to revitalize martyrdom through the "martyrdom of the canvas"—he physically struck the painting with stones, "lapidating" its surface. The work references Pier Francesco Cittadini's 17th-century painting in the Basilica of Santo Stefano in Bologna. A precious breccia di Vendôme marble accompanies the piece, from which stones appear to fly toward the martyr. The work is on view until March 3, 2025. Additionally, the Book Restoration Laboratory of the Abbey of Praglia will produce an illuminated manuscript enhanced by Samorì, to be added to the abbey's collection of miniature manuscripts. This is Samorì's second debut in a consecrated space.