Who painted Saint Andrew?

Saint Andrew was painted by German 15th Century in 1480.

Where can I see Saint Andrew?

Saint Andrew is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Andrew?

Saint Andrew is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Andrew

German 15th Century , 1480

Saint Andrew is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work is a hand‑colored woodcut portraying Saint Andrew. The figure is shown with a beard and flowing hair, dressed in a red robe over a white tunic. He holds a green book in his left hand and a large, gold‑toned cross in his right, set against a modest landscape of green grass and blue sky.

Subject & Meaning

The image identifies the apostle Andrew, traditionally associated with the cross on which he was martyred. The book suggests his role as a teacher or evangelist, while the cross underscores his martyrdom. The simple backdrop focuses attention on the saint’s attributes rather than narrative detail, reinforcing his iconic status within Christian iconography.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the design relies on carved lines that define the figure and surrounding space. After printing, the image was hand‑colored using a palette of rose, green, yellow, blue, gold, and red‑orange, adding depth and visual interest while preserving the medium’s characteristic flatness. The combination of line work and selective coloration yields a restrained yet vivid composition.

History & Provenance

The print originates from a period when hand‑colored woodcuts were employed for devotional images intended for personal or small‑scale public use. Specific details about its creator, date of production, or ownership trail are not recorded in the supplied information, leaving its precise historical context open to further research.