Artwork
Saint Martial Founding the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre
Saint Martial Founding the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1196 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This stained-glass panel depicts Saint Martial initiating the construction of the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre.
About this work
History & Provenance
Created in 1190, the religious painting titled Saint Martial Founding the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre is attributed to an anonymous artist.
Created in 1190, the religious painting titled Saint Martial Founding the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre is attributed to an anonymous artist. This work, classified as a religious painting, depicts a saint and a man. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Specific physical dimensions recorded for the artwork include a height of 76.5 units and a width of 38.1 units. The creation date is firmly established as 1190, placing its origin in the late twelfth century. While the specific commissioning entity and the detailed chain of ownership prior to its arrival at the museum are not detailed in the available records, the work's inception is dated to 1190, and its current location is confirmed as the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Context
The painting titled Saint Martial Founding the Cathedral of Saint‑Pierre, attributed to an anonymous hand and dated to 1190, belongs to the genre of religious art. It measures 76.5 × 38.1 cm and is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is included in the museum’s medieval European paintings collection. As an anonymous work from the early 12th century, it serves as a representative example of French religious painting in institutional narratives of art history.
Overview
This stained-glass panel depicts Saint Martial initiating the construction of the Cathedral of Saint-Pierre. Two robed figures, likely Saint Martial and a companion, are shown in a solemn moment, suggesting a foundational act. The artwork employs vibrant colors and distinct forms characteristic of its medium, presenting a narrative scene through the interplay of light and glass.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on two prominent male figures, distinguished by their robes and tall hats. The figure on the right, presumably Saint Martial, gestures with a long staff, an action that visually implies the ceremonial laying of a cornerstone for a new edifice. His companion on the left holds a folded document or scroll, possibly signifying plans or a charter for the proposed cathedral, reinforcing the narrative of its establishment.
Technique & Style
Crafted from numerous small pieces of glass, the panel exhibits a palette dominated by bright reds, blues, and gold for the figures' attire. Their garments appear simple and somewhat rigid, contributing to a sense of formality. These vibrant tones contrast with the background, which is composed of deep blues and greens, meticulously assembled to create a textured, mosaic-like effect. This approach is typical of medieval stained-glass artistry.
Artist & collection
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