Artwork
Roundel with Saint Christopher
Roundel with Saint Christopher is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This circular painting depicts a bearded man traversing water, bearing a small child upon his shoulder.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
As an anonymous work, the piece focuses entirely on the narrative and spiritual significance of this specific saint rather than the identity of the creator.
The artwork depicts Saint Christopher, a central figure in religious iconography known for carrying the Christ Child across a river. Created in 1530, this roundel painting serves as a devotional object within the genre of religious art. The subject represents the saint's legendary role as a protector of travelers, a symbolism traditionally conveyed through the image of the giant bearing the child on his shoulders.
As an anonymous work, the piece focuses entirely on the narrative and spiritual significance of this specific saint rather than the identity of the creator.
History & Provenance
The roundel with Saint Christopher is an anonymous religious painting dated to 1530, classified as a painting and a devotional roundel. It portrays the saint in a traditional iconographic scheme and belongs to the genre of religious art, reflecting early sixteenth‑century European devotional practices. The work was created as a small circular image intended for private contemplation.
The painting is held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which acquired it and now includes it in its collection, establishing the museum as its current owner. Its provenance is recorded by the museum, confirming its presence in the institution since acquisition.
The Roundel with Saint Christopher is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains part of the museum's holdings as an anonymous religious painting dating to 1530.
No specific inventory or accession number is recorded in the available sources, and no exhibition history is documented.
Overview
This circular painting depicts a bearded man traversing water, bearing a small child upon his shoulder. He steadies himself with a tall staff, his figure accented by a yellow sash. In the background, a boat floats on the water, while a soldier kneels near a burning encampment.
The artwork's muted palette of browns and grays is punctuated by gold highlights on the man's halo and staff, drawing attention to these significant details.
Technique & Style
Rendered in a round format, this painting employs a restrained color scheme dominated by earthy browns and grays. This subdued palette enhances the solemnity of the scene, while strategic gold accents on the halo and staff provide visual emphasis and denote sanctity. The composition guides the viewer's eye to the interaction between the man and child, set against a subtly detailed background that adds narrative depth without distracting from the main figures.
Artist & collection
