Artwork
Saint Bernardino Preaching from a Pulpit
Saint Bernardino Preaching from a Pulpit is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Francesco di Giorgio. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As a depiction of a saint delivering a sermon, the image serves to represent the saint's life and his function as a spiritual leader addressing an audience.
The painting depicts Saint Bernardino of Siena, a historical religious figure, actively preaching from a pulpit. Created in 1470 by Francesco di Giorgio, the work falls within the genre of religious art, focusing on the saint's role as a preacher. The composition centers on the man himself engaged in this specific act of oration, highlighting his significance within the religious narrative.
As a depiction of a saint delivering a sermon, the image serves to represent the saint's life and his function as a spiritual leader addressing an audience. The work captures a moment of religious instruction, emphasizing the subject's identity and his public ministry.
History & Provenance
Saint Bernardino Preaching from a Pulpit was created around 1470 by the Sienese artist Francesco di Giorgio Martini. It is classified as a religious painting depicting Bernardino of Siena. The painting’s provenance traces to the collector Robert Lehman, after whom it entered the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Lehman Collection, where it remains today.
No specific commission or patronage details are recorded in the available sources, and the work’s creation history is limited to its dating and attribution to di Giorgio.
Overview
This painting, titled Saint Bernardino Preaching from a Pulpit, was created by Francesco di Giorgio in 1470. It depicts Bernardino of Siena, a prominent Franciscan friar, engaged in an act of public address. The work is currently housed in The Metropolitan Museum of Art, offering a glimpse into religious art of the Italian Renaissance.
Technique & Style
Francesco di Giorgio rendered the saint's pulpit with an unadorned, functional appearance, featuring visible nail holes that emphasize its humble construction. The figure of Bernardino is set against a flat blue background, which draws focus to the preacher himself. Red painted edges frame the panel, providing a subtle border to the composition and enhancing its visual presence.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Francesco di Giorgio Martini (1439–1501) was an Italian architect, engineer, painter, sculptor, and writer.
