Who painted Saint Ansanus?

Saint Ansanus was painted by Simone Martini in 1326-01-01.

Where can I see Saint Ansanus?

Saint Ansanus is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Saint Ansanus?

Saint Ansanus is associated with Sienese School.

Can I buy a print of Saint Ansanus?

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

Artwork

Saint Ansanus

Simone Martini , 1326

Saint Ansanus is a tempera painting by the Sienese School artist Simone Martini. It dates from 1326 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The composition reflects the religious genre of the period, presenting the saint in a contemplative pose against a gold‑ground background.

The work Saint Ansanus is executed in tempera on a wooden panel, a technique typical of early 14th‑century Italian painting. The panel measures 57.2 cm in height by 36.8 cm in width and was completed in 1326. Its surface bears the characteristic matte finish of tempera, with fine linear detailing that defines the saint’s figure and attributes.

The composition reflects the religious genre of the period, presenting the saint in a contemplative pose against a gold‑ground background. The painting is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection, having entered the museum through the Robert Lehman bequest.

History & Provenance

The painting is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it is catalogued as part of the Robert Lehman Collection with accession number 1975.1.101. It was exhibited as part of the Lehman collection displays at the museum, which has housed the work since its acquisition.

Overview

Simone Martini's painting, Saint Ansanus, was completed in 1326 using tempera. This devotional work depicts the revered figure of Saint Ansanus, a subject common in religious art of the period. The artwork is presently part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it represents an example of early 14th-century Italian painting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents a male figure identified by his golden halo and ecclesiastical garments as a saint. He is clad in a vibrant red robe with a gold-trimmed collar, worn over a green tunic, and a red cape drapes over his left shoulder. In his right hand, he firmly grasps a tall spear adorned with a white flag, while his left hand rests at his waist. These attributes, particularly the spear and flag, likely signify specific aspects of his life or martyrdom.