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Saint Lawrence

Master of the Murano Gradual

1445

vellum

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Renaissance Renaissance Religious

Dominant colour

Saint Lawrence is a 1445 by Master of the Murano Gradual, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Master of the Murano Gradual
When & what style?: 1445 · Renaissance
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This painting shows a man in a bright green robe with gold embroidery, holding a long object like a grid or ruler. His face has a calm look, and he’s framed by a gold circle with red and blue swirls around it. The background looks like a sky with clouds and a half-figure peeking in from the side. The gold leaf and careful details suggest this was meant to look fancy and important. The man’s robe and the way he holds the object might hint at a job tied to measuring or building—maybe something for a church. If you like this style, check out the Renaissance movement next.