Who painted The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew?

The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew was painted by Jusepe de Ribera in 1634.

Where can I see The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew?

The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew?

The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew?

Museum-quality prints of The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew

Jusepe de Ribera , 1634

The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Jusepe de Ribera. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower right: Jusepe de Ribera español / F. 1634

About this work

History & Provenance

The work entered the public market when it was sold at Sotheby's in London on July 6, 1983, as part of the estate of Colonel Alstair Joseph Edgar Cranstoun.

Executed in 1634 by Jusepe de Ribera, this oil on canvas painting has no recorded history prior to approximately 1810. At that time, Richard Barré Dunning, Lord Ashburton, acquired the work in Italy specifically for his uncle-in-law, George Cranstoun, Lord Corehouse, at Corehouse, Scotland. The artwork remained within the Cranstoun family lineage for over a century, eventually passing to Colonel Alstair Joseph Edgar Cranstoun.

It entered the commercial market when sold at Sotheby's, London, on July 6, 1983. Following a period in a private London collection, the painting was offered again at Sotheby's on July 4, 1990, at which point it was purchased by the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., where it currently resides.

The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew is currently held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., having been acquired by the institution in 1990. Prior to this, the painting remained in private hands, notably within the Cranstoun family at Corehouse, Scotland, after its purchase around 1810 by Richard Barré Dunning, Lord Ashburton, for George Cranstoun, Lord Corehouse. The work entered the public market when it was sold at Sotheby's in London on July 6, 1983, as part of the estate of Colonel Alstair Joseph Edgar Cranstoun.

Following a subsequent sale at Sotheby's on July 4, 1990, the National Gallery of Art purchased the canvas. No specific inventory or accession numbers are provided in the available records, nor is there a detailed history of public exhibitions prior to its current residence.

Overview

Jusepe de Ribera, a prominent Spanish Baroque artist active in Naples, completed The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew in 1634. This oil on canvas painting belongs to the religious genre, vividly portraying the apostle Bartholomew's execution. Ribera's work is characterized by its dramatic realism, reflecting the early Baroque Italian style prevalent during his active period.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts the brutal martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, who was traditionally flayed alive. Ribera renders this gruesome event with unflinching directness, showing the saint bound to a tree as his skin is removed. The work emphasizes the profound suffering and unwavering faith of the saint, a common theme in Counter-Reformation art intended to inspire devotion.

Technique & Style

Ribera employed a dramatic early Baroque Italian style, evident in the intense emotionality and stark realism of the scene. The artist utilized strong contrasts of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro, to heighten the drama and emphasize Saint Bartholomew's agony. This technique draws the viewer's eye to the central figure, underscoring the physical and spiritual torment. Ribera's approach often fused Spanish and Italian artistic traditions.

Context

Jusepe de Ribera established himself as a leading Spanish Baroque painter while residing and working in Naples. His artistic output significantly influenced the Neapolitan painting school of his era. The Martyrdom of Saint Bartholomew, completed in 1634, exemplifies his mature style and his commitment to depicting religious narratives with a powerful, visceral impact that resonated with contemporary audiences.