Who painted A Papal Saint (Saint Gregory the Great?)?

A Papal Saint (Saint Gregory the Great?) was painted by Bartolo di Fredi in 1380.

Where can I see A Papal Saint (Saint Gregory the Great?)?

A Papal Saint (Saint Gregory the Great?) is held by Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

What movement is A Papal Saint (Saint Gregory the Great?)?

A Papal Saint (Saint Gregory the Great?) is associated with Early Renaissance.

Artwork

A Papal Saint (Saint Gregory the Great?)

Bartolo di Fredi , 1380

A Papal Saint (Saint Gregory the Great?) is an unspecified painting by the Early Renaissance artist Bartolo di Fredi. It dates from 1380 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts Boston.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1380 by the Sienese painter Bartolo di Fredi, this panel measures a modest size and now belongs to the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Executed during the early Renaissance, the work reflects the devotional focus typical of the period and the artist’s affiliation with the Sienese school of painting.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is presented in papal vestments, suggesting a depiction of Saint Gregory the Great, though the identification remains uncertain. He is shown with eyes gently closed, holding a small red codex, a visual cue to his role as a writer and theologian. The serene expression and solemn posture convey a mood of prayerful contemplation.

Technique & Style

Bartolo employs tempera on panel, rendering the saint’s blue habit and gold‑trimmed mitre with precise, linear detailing. The gold cross on the robe and the intricate patterns on the hat demonstrate the artist’s attention to ornamental surface treatment. A warm, golden background unifies the composition, enhancing the figure’s luminous presence without resorting to elaborate spatial illusion.

History & Provenance

Born in Siena around 1330, Bartolo di Fredi was active in the late fourteenth century, producing numerous religious works for local churches and patrons. This particular panel entered the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, as part of its European paintings collection, though the exact acquisition path is not documented in the available records.

Artist & collection

Artist

Bartolo di Fredi

Bartolo di Fredi (c. 1330 – 26 January 1410), also called Bartolo Battiloro, was an Italian painter, born in Siena, classified as a member of the Sienese School.