Artwork

Saint Sylvester and the Dragon

Saint Sylvester and the Dragon, by Agnolo Gaddi, unspecified, 1390
Saint Sylvester and the Dragon, by Agnolo Gaddi, unspecified, 1390

Saint Sylvester and the Dragon is an unspecified painting by the Byzantine icon painting artist Agnolo Gaddi. It dates from 1390 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

This painting depicts a scene with a group of people, including a man in a red robe and a man in a blue robe, standing around a dragon.

This painting depicts a scene with a group of people, including a man in a red robe and a man in a blue robe, standing around a dragon. The dragon is lying on the ground, and the people are looking at it with concern. In the background, there are some buildings and a yellow sky.

The painting is done in a style that suggests it was created in the 14th century. The use of bright colors and the detailed depiction of the people and the dragon are characteristic of this time period.

If you're interested in learning more about this painting, you might want to look up the artist Agnolo Gaddi.

Overview

Agnolo Gaddi's 'Saint Sylvester and the Dragon' is a 1390 painting held by the Philadelphia Museum of Art. It exemplifies the artist's skill as a painter and mosaicist from Florence.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Saint Sylvester I surrounded by figures, including those in red and blue robes, reacting to a dragon on the ground. The scene is set against a backdrop of buildings under a yellow sky, reflecting Byzantine iconographic influences.

Technique & Style

Executed in a style characteristic of 14th-century art, the work features bright colors and detailed figures. As a pupil of his father Taddeo Gaddi, who was influenced by Giotto, Agnolo Gaddi's technique is rooted in Giotto's innovations.

History & Provenance

Created in 1390 by Agnolo Gaddi, the painting is now part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art's collection.

Saint Dominic Resuscitating Napoleone Orsini
Saint Dominic Resuscitating Napoleone Orsini, Bartolomeo degli Erri

Artist & collection

Portrait of Agnolo Gaddi

Artist

Agnolo Gaddi

Agnolo Gaddi (c.1350–1396) was an Italian painter. He was born and died in Florence, and was the son of the painter Taddeo Gaddi, who was himself the major pupil of the Florentine master Giotto. Agnolo was a painter…

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Saint Sylvester and the Dragon?

Saint Sylvester and the Dragon was painted by Agnolo Gaddi in 1390.

Where can I see Saint Sylvester and the Dragon?

Saint Sylvester and the Dragon is held by Philadelphia Museum of Art.

What movement is Saint Sylvester and the Dragon?

Saint Sylvester and the Dragon is associated with Byzantine icon painting.

Can I buy a print of Saint Sylvester and the Dragon?

Museum-quality prints of Saint Sylvester and the Dragon are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.