San Cassiano Altarpiece: Saint Dominic (right fragment)

Saint Dominic, the Spanish priest who founded the Order of Preachers in the early 13th century, stands at the lower right of the San Cassiano altarpiece in the black cloak over a white habit that Dominican friars still wear. He reads from a red book, the attribute of a preacher, his tonsured head bent over the page. The young woman at his shoulder is identified by the museum as Saint Ursula, the legendary princess martyred with her companions at Cologne. The fragment measures about 57 by 36 centimetres, a little larger than its partner from the left side.