Who painted Saint Paul?

Saint Paul was painted by Macrino d'Alba in 1500.

Where can I see Saint Paul?

Saint Paul is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Saint Paul?

Saint Paul is associated with High Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Paul

Macrino d'Alba , 1500

Saint Paul is an oil painting by the High Renaissance artist Macrino d'Alba. It dates from 1500 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

Macrino d'Alba executed Saint Paul in 1500 using oil paint applied to a wooden panel support. The painting is a vertical composition, with notable dimensions of 171 cm in height and 71 cm in width, which emphasizes the upright, slender format of the work. As a religious artwork, its formal and stylistic qualities align with the devotional genre typical of its period.

History & Provenance

The painting Saint Paul by Macrino d'Alba is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work, created around 1500, is executed in oil on panel and measures 171 cm in height by 71 cm in width. While the artwork is part of the museum's permanent holdings, the provided sources do not list a specific inventory or accession number, nor do they detail any exhibition history for this piece.

Overview

Created circa 1500 by the Piedmontese painter Macrino d’Alba, this oil work portrays a standing figure identified as Saint Paul. The composition places the saint on a light‑colored platform against a landscape of gentle hills and a clear sky, and it is presently part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is clothed in a green robe over a gray tunic, with a red cloak draped across his shoulders, and sandals on his feet. A golden halo crowns his head, indicating sanctity. In his right hand he grasps a sword, a traditional attribute of Paul, while his left hand holds a book, alluding to his role as an apostle and author of epistles.

Artist & collection

Artist

Macrino d'Alba

Macrino d'Alba (c. 1460–1465 – c. 1510–1520) was an Italian painter of the Renaissance period, active mainly in Piedmont, who is known for his altarpieces and portraits. His birth name was Gian Giacomo de' Alladio.