Who painted Saint Bartholomew?

Saint Bartholomew was painted by Albrecht Dürer in 1523.

Where can I see Saint Bartholomew?

Saint Bartholomew is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Bartholomew?

Saint Bartholomew is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Bartholomew

Albrecht Dürer , 1523

Saint Bartholomew is an ink print by the Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer. It dates from 1523 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The print is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, where it is displayed among other works of early modern printmaking.

Albrecht Dürer’s engraving of Saint Bartholomew, dated 1523, is a monochrome work on laid paper that measures roughly a sheet of modest size. The image presents a solitary, solemn figure against an unadorned backdrop, emphasizing the saint’s contemplative presence. The print is part of the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, where it is displayed among other works of early modern printmaking.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is the apostle Bartholomew, identifiable by his long, curled beard, flowing robes, and the symbolic objects he holds: a book, representing his evangelistic role, and a knife, alluding to the manner of his martyrdom. His gaze is direct and serious, inviting viewers to consider the saint’s steadfast faith and the themes of sacrifice and testimony.

Technique & Style

Dürer employed the engraving technique, incising fine, parallel lines into a copper plate to achieve delicate gradations of tone. The rendering of fabric folds, skin texture, and subtle shadows demonstrates his mastery of line work, a hallmark of early sixteenth‑century Northern European printmaking. The use of laid paper adds a faint ribbed texture that interacts with the inked lines.

History & Provenance

Created in the later period of Dürer’s career, the print entered the United States collection of the National Gallery of Art, where it remains in the print and drawing department. Its provenance traces back to European collectors before being acquired by the museum in the twentieth century, though specific ownership details are limited in the record.

Context

The engraving reflects the broader devotional culture of the Reformation era, when printed images of saints served both private contemplation and public instruction. Dürer’s choice to depict Bartholomew with his martyr’s knife aligns with contemporary iconographic conventions, while the stark composition underscores the period’s shift toward more personal, introspective religious art.