Artwork
Der hl. Andreas
Der hl. Andreas is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Mattia Preti. It dates from 1656 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Der hl.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work functions as a piece of religious art, focusing entirely on the figure of the saint.
Mattia Preti's 1656 painting depicts Andrew the Apostle as its central religious subject. The work functions as a piece of religious art, focusing entirely on the figure of the saint. While the specific iconographic attributes or symbolic actions of the saint are not detailed in the available records, the piece is defined by its representation of this biblical figure within the context of Christian devotion.
Technique & Style
The work is executed in oil on canvas, a common support for 17th-century religious paintings. The canvas measures 51.2 centimeters in height by 63.2 centimeters in width, providing a relatively tall and narrow format that emphasizes vertical composition. The brushwork is characterized by a vigorous handling of paint, producing strong contrasts of light and shadow that model the figure of Andrew the Apostle.
Rich, saturated colors and precise detailing in the drapery and facial features contribute to a naturalistic yet expressive style typical of the period. The painting’s surface shows signs of careful preservation, with a stable varnish layer that enhances the depth of the pigments.
History & Provenance
Der hl. Andreas is a religious painting by Mattia Preti, completed in 1656. It was created as an altarpiece for the church of San Andrea in Naples and later entered the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, where it remains on display at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. The work depicts Andrew the Apostle and measures 63.2 cm in width and 51.2 cm in height.
Legacy
The painting Der hl. Andreas by Mattia Preti, completed in 1656, entered the Bavarian State Painting Collections and remains on display at the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it continues to be studied as a significant example of Baroque religious art. Its depiction of Andrew the Apostle contributed to renewed interest in the saint’s iconography during the post-Tridentine period, influencing subsequent interpretations of apostolic figures in 17th-century European painting.
Scholars have cited the work when examining Preti’s role in shaping Counter-Reformation visual narratives, particularly in Central European artistic circles. The composition’s dynamic realism and expressive use of light informed later artists working in the region, including those trained in the Viennese school who adapted Preti’s techniques in their own portrayals of biblical subjects.
Overview
Der hl. Andreas is a 1656 painting by Mattia Preti, held at the Alte Pinakothek.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mattia Preti was an Italian Baroque artist who worked in Italy and Malta. He was appointed a Member of the Order of Saint John.
