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Artwork

Saint Barbara (panel one), Saint Dorothy (panel two), Saint Catherine (panel three), and Saint Margaret (panel four) (predella of an altarpiece)

Unknown , 1505

Saint Barbara (panel one), Saint Dorothy (panel two), Saint Catherine (panel three), and Saint Margaret (panel four) (predella of an altarpiece), by Unknown, tempera, 1505
Saint Barbara (panel one), Saint Dorothy (panel two), Saint Catherine (panel three), and Saint Margaret (panel four) (predella of an altarpiece), by Unknown, tempera, 1505

Saint Barbara (panel one), Saint Dorothy (panel two), Saint Catherine (panel three), and Saint Margaret (panel four) (predella of an altarpiece) is a tempera painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1505 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This four-panel predella, executed in tempera, depicts four female saints: Barbara, Dorothy, Catherine, and Margaret, each in a separate panel.

Subject & Meaning

Each panel portrays a saint in a formal, static pose with clasped hands in prayer and a halo, conveying devotion and reverence. The subjects, all early Christian martyrs, would have held significance in a religious context.

Technique & Style

The tempera technique, characteristic of Renaissance art, is combined with intricate gold designs above each saint's head, suggesting the use of gold leaf. The solid-colored backgrounds provide a simple, focused setting for the figures.

Context

The level of detail, use of gold leaf, and overall composition indicate the predella was intended for a religious setting, likely as part of a larger altarpiece.

History & Provenance

No specific historical ownership or creation date is provided, though the style and medium align with Renaissance practices.

Altarpiece of Saint Barbara
Altarpiece of Saint Barbara, Gonzalo Pérez

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

MORE BY UNKNOWN

VISUALLY SIMILAR

Similarity 100 percent

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Saint Barbara (panel one), Saint Dorothy (panel two), Saint Catherine (panel three), and Saint Margaret (panel four) (predella of an altarpiece)?

Saint Barbara (panel one), Saint Dorothy (panel two), Saint Catherine (panel three), and Saint Margaret (panel four) (predella of an altarpiece) was painted by Unknown in 1505.

Where can I see Saint Barbara (panel one), Saint Dorothy (panel two), Saint Catherine (panel three), and Saint Margaret (panel four) (predella of an altarpiece)?

Saint Barbara (panel one), Saint Dorothy (panel two), Saint Catherine (panel three), and Saint Margaret (panel four) (predella of an altarpiece) is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Saint Barbara (panel one), Saint Dorothy (panel two), Saint Catherine (panel three), and Saint Margaret (panel four) (predella of an altarpiece)?

Saint Barbara (panel one), Saint Dorothy (panel two), Saint Catherine (panel three), and Saint Margaret (panel four) (predella of an altarpiece) is associated with Northern Renaissance.