Artwork
Saint Martin Announcing to His Parents That He Will Become a Christian
Saint Martin Announcing to His Parents That He Will Become a Christian is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1430 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on the interaction between the titular figure and two adults, identified in the records as a man and a woman, representing his parents.
This religious painting, created in 1430, illustrates the specific narrative moment where Saint Martin informs his parents of his decision to convert to Christianity. As a work of religious art, the piece focuses on the human drama of this pivotal biographical event rather than depicting the saint in his later military or episcopal roles. The composition centers on the interaction between the titular figure and two adults, identified in the records as a man and a woman, representing his parents.
While the artist remains anonymous, the scene serves to visualize the internal spiritual turning point of Martin's life, emphasizing the familial context of his conversion. The work functions as a devotional object within the religious art tradition, capturing the significance of rejecting a secular path for a life of faith.
History & Provenance
Saint Martin Announcing to His Parents That He Will Become a Christian is a religious painting dated to 1430, attributed to an anonymous hand and classified as a painting. It depicts the moment Saint Martin informs his parents, shown as a man and a woman, of his decision to convert to Christianity. The work was formerly owned by the collector Robert Lehman and is now held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it forms part of the Robert Lehman Collection. The sources do not provide a specific accession number or any documented exhibition history for the work.
Overview
This painting, titled "Saint Martin Announcing to His Parents That He Will Become a Christian," presents a pivotal moment in the life of the saint. It captures a gathering of figures, centered around a young boy who is conveying his decision to embrace Christianity to his parents. The work serves as a visual narrative of this significant religious declaration, depicting a key event in the future saint's spiritual development.
Technique & Style
The painting exhibits characteristics consistent with its age, showing visible signs of wear and the passage of time. Its palette features subdued, muted colors, contributing to a historical aesthetic. The artist's brushstrokes are discernible, creating a sense of texture and contributing to the overall depth of the composition.
These elements collectively suggest an older work, emphasizing its material history and the painter's approach to form and color.
Artist & collection
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