Who painted Saint David?

Saint David was painted by Charles Head in 1901.

Where can I see Saint David?

Saint David is held by National Library of Wales.

What movement is Saint David?

Saint David is associated with Post-Impressionism.

Artwork

Saint David

Charles Head , 1901

Saint David is an unspecified painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Charles Head. It dates from 1901 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1901 by Welsh painter Charles Head, this oil on canvas portrays Saint David, the patron saint of Wales. The work measures a modest size and is currently part of the collection of the National Library of Wales, where it is displayed among other religious and historical pieces.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a bishop standing within an architectural portal, his posture calm and reflective. He holds a pastoral staff in his right hand and a book in his left, symbols of ecclesiastical authority and learning. The serene expression and composed stance suggest contemplation and spiritual guidance.

Technique & Style

Head renders the bishop’s robes with meticulous brushwork, emphasizing the texture of the fabric and the gleam of a large medallion on the chest. The surrounding doorway is framed by elaborately carved columns, their capitals adorned with grape clusters and foliage, adding a decorative, almost baroque richness to the composition.

History & Provenance

Since its completion, the painting has remained in public ownership, entering the National Library of Wales’s holdings early in the 20th century. It has been catalogued as part of the library’s visual documentation of Welsh religious heritage and is occasionally featured in exhibitions on national identity.

Context

Charles Head worked at a time when Welsh artists were reviving interest in native saints and historical subjects. Saint David, credited with founding monastic communities in the 6th century, was a frequent motif in devotional art, and Head’s rendition aligns with the period’s emphasis on national symbolism and ecclesiastical tradition.