Artwork
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is an oil painting by Pietro Perugino. It dates from 1495 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
History & Provenance
The available records do not list a specific inventory or accession number for the piece, nor do they document any past or current exhibition history.
The painting Saint Lucia is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its attribution is uncertain, the work being associated with both Filippino Lippi and Pietro Perugino, two artists historically linked through the Santissima Annunziata altarpiece in Florence. The available records do not list a specific inventory or accession number for the piece, nor do they document any past or current exhibition history.
Legacy
Saint Lucia, an oil on panel dated to the late fifteenth century, has been part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection since its acquisition. Its iconography and style reflect Florentine religious painting of the period, and its authorship has been discussed in relation to both Pietro Perugino and Filippino Lippi.
Overview
Created circa 1495, this oil painting portrays Saint Lucia, a Christian martyr, and is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection. Executed by the Umbrian painter Pietro Perugino, the work reflects the early Renaissance approach to religious subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The figure stands barefoot on a stone floor, clothed in a dark green dress with a red‑gold shawl. In her left hand she holds a lit cup, an attribute linked to Lucia’s legend, while a book rests in her right hand, symbolising her faith and learning.
Technique & Style
Perugino employs a calm, balanced composition typical of his workshop, with soft modeling of flesh and a restrained palette. The serene pose and gentle chiaroscuro anticipate the compositional clarity that would later characterize the High Renaissance.
Context
Perugino, a leading figure of the Umbrian school, taught several notable artists, most famously Raphael. Works such as Saint Lucia illustrate the transitional phase between the early Renaissance and the emerging High Renaissance, highlighting the evolving treatment of sacred iconography.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pietro Perugino (US: PERR-ə-JEE-noh, -oo-; Italian:; born Pietro Vannucci or Pietro Vanucci; c.
The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene
Madonna and Child
Portrait of Lorenzo di Credi![The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [right panel], by Pietro Perugino](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-perugino--the-crucifixion-with-the-virgin-saint-john-saint-jerome-and--7d9a2b1f47b9fc9b-w320.webp)
The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [right panel]
Saint John the Baptist; Saint Lucy
The Resurrection![The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [left panel], by Pietro Perugino](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-perugino--the-crucifixion-with-the-virgin-saint-john-saint-jerome-and--1017dec17318baa5-w320.webp)
The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [left panel]![The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [middle panel], by Pietro Perugino](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/pietro-perugino--the-crucifixion-with-the-virgin-saint-john-saint-jerome-and--a9b4c312771e3f71-w320.webp)
The Crucifixion with the Virgin, Saint John, Saint Jerome, and Saint Mary Magdalene [middle panel]
