In San Gregorio Polyptych, how is the Description discussed?
Five of the original panels in the polyptych, on two levels, survive. The lower level shows, at the center, the Madonna of the Rosary Enthroned, flanked by St. Gregory the Great at left and St. Benedict at right. The upper level depicts an Angel of Annunciation and the Annunciation, while a central panel, perhaps a Dead Christ Supported by Angels or a Deposition from the Cross, is lost.
The general layout of the polyptych is rather traditional, such as the presence of gilt background. However, there is a series of more modern details which show Antonello's attention to novelties he saw or learn from the rest of Italy. These include the spatial unification of the panels (as in the steps at the base of the throne, which continue to the side panels), the use of tempera grassa derived from Netherlandish and Catalan artists working in the Kingdom of Naples, as well as the psychological characterization of the characters.
The polyptych was likely placed on a side wall, as testified by the observation angle, which is from right,  and the tapestry behind the throne, which is not at the center. The upper level is instead optimized for view from below. There are also trompe-l'œil details, such as the saints' feet which apparently jut out from the step's edge, inspired by spatial innovations by northern Italian painters such as Andrea Mantegna. Also typical of northern European art was the attention to smaller details, including the pearls in Benedict's mitre, the brilliant  cherries that the Child takes from  his mother's wife, or the pearls in the rosary at the Virgin's feet.
The fruit in Jesus' hands symbolize the original sin and (the cherries) the Passion of Christ. He also wears a pendant in red coral, an apotropaic amulet of ancient origins usually given to children, which also appears in contemporary works by Piero della Francesca and other artists. The white and red roses in the crown which the angels release on the Virgin's head are also allegoric: they recall both her virginal purity and the future martyrdom of Christ.
amulet Passion of Christ red coral trompe-l'œil Kingdom of Naples St. Benedict original sin Catalan artists St. Gregory the Great Piero della Francesca apotropaic left Andrea Mantegna Netherlandish mitre polyptych tempera grassa