Artwork
Saint Bartholomew
Saint Bartholomew is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1410 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The anonymous artist places the saint in a solemn, frontal pose typical of devotional images intended to inspire piety.
The painting portrays Saint Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles, as its central figure. As a religious work from the early fifteenth century, it likely served a devotional function, presenting the apostle as a model of faith and martyrdom for contemporary viewers. The anonymous artist places the saint in a solemn, frontal pose typical of devotional images intended to inspire piety.
Created around 1410, the anonymous work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection of religious paintings.
History & Provenance
Created in 1410, this religious painting depicts Bartholomew the Apostle. The work is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains located. While the specific circumstances of its commission and early ownership history are not detailed in the available records, the piece is identified as an anonymous work. Its dimensions are recorded as 50.2 cm in height and 42.5 cm in width.
The anonymous painting titled Saint Bartholomew, dated to 1410, is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The work depicts Bartholomew the Apostle and is classified as a religious painting measuring 50.2 cm in height and 42.5 cm in width. The provided sources do not contain specific accession numbers or a recorded exhibition history for this piece.
Overview
This painting presents Saint Bartholomew as a rigid, upright figure set against a deep red ground. The composition is bordered by a simple frame, enclosing the saint amidst decorative yellow flowers and green vines. His serene yet solemn expression, combined with the work's vibrant palette and distinct outlines, evokes the visual qualities of medieval stained glass, creating a striking devotional image.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a distinctive style characterized by sharp, defined lines and minimal tonal variation, contributing to a flattened, two-dimensional effect. Bold, saturated hues, such as bright yellows, deep reds, and cool blues, dominate the palette, creating strong visual contrasts. This approach, combined with the figure's static pose and clear outlines, lends the painting a visual resonance with the luminosity and graphic clarity of stained-glass artistry.
Artist & collection
