Who painted Saint Justina of Padua?

Saint Justina of Padua was painted by Bartolomeo Montagna in 1490-01-01.

Where can I see Saint Justina of Padua?

Saint Justina of Padua is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Saint Justina of Padua?

Saint Justina of Padua is associated with Venetian Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Saint Justina of Padua?

Museum-quality prints of Saint Justina of Padua are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Saint Justina of Padua

Bartolomeo Montagna , 1496

Saint Justina of Padua is an oil painting by the Venetian Renaissance artist Bartolomeo Montagna. It dates from 1496 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The medium's luminous transparency allows for subtle layering, evident in the delicate glazes defining the saint's flesh tones and drapery folds.

Bartolomeo Montagna's Saint Justina of Padua (1496) is executed in oil paint on a wooden panel support, measuring 48.6 × 37.5 cm. The medium's luminous transparency allows for subtle layering, evident in the delicate glazes defining the saint's flesh tones and drapery folds.

Stylistically, the work reflects the Quattrocento Venetian tradition, characterized by meticulous linear precision and a harmonious balance between figure and space. The handling is refined, with fine brushwork delineating intricate details such as the gold embroidery on Justina's robe and the delicate rendering of her attributes, including the martyr's palm and dagger. The composition's serene symmetry and restrained palette underscore the devotional clarity typical of Montagna's religious works.

History & Provenance

Saint Justina of Padua is dated to 1496. It was acquired by Benjamin Altman and subsequently bequeathed to the Metropolitan Museum of Art as part of the Altman Collection in 1913. The work has remained in the museum's holdings since that transfer, with no intervening ownership changes documented.

Overview

Bartolomeo Montagna's Saint Justina of Padua, painted in 1496, is an oil on panel work characteristic of the Venetian Renaissance. This painting depicts a female saint, identified as Justina of Padua, rendered with the artist's distinctive approach to form and detail. It is currently housed in the collection of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a significant example of Montagna's religious output.

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents a solemn female figure, likely Saint Justina of Padua, distinguished by a halo and a serious gaze directed to the left. She wears a green gown with a white collar and a gold necklace, her hair neatly pulled back with a headband. In her right hand, she holds a slender green object, an attribute that helps identify her. The dark background emphasizes her presence, contributing to the work's overall devotional character.

Context

Bartolomeo Montagna was an Italian painter primarily active in Vicenza during the late 15th century, though he also received commissions in Venice, Verona, and Padua. His oeuvre frequently explored religious themes, including numerous depictions of the Madonna. Montagna's work is recognized for its careful attention to architectural elements, often featuring elaborate marble details, alongside his characteristic treatment of human forms.