Who painted Saint James the Great?

Saint James the Great was painted by Stefano Della Bella in 1637.

Where can I see Saint James the Great?

Saint James the Great is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint James the Great?

Saint James the Great is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Saint James the Great

Stefano Della Bella , 1637

Saint James the Great is an ink drawing by the Baroque artist Stefano Della Bella. It dates from 1637 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1637, the drawing titled *Saint James the Great* is executed in pen and brown ink on laid paper. It is attributed to Stefano della Bella, an Italian draughtsman born in Florence in 1610, whose prolific output includes thousands of etchings and drawings across a range of subjects, though he is known to have painted only a single work.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a tumultuous gathering of figures dressed in period costume. A kneeling man clutches a sword, while another figure holds a cross; several onlookers raise their hands in apparent supplication. A building with a dome and a tall cross looms in the background, situating the scene within a religious narrative associated with Saint James.

Technique & Style

Executed with rapid pen strokes, the drawing exhibits a loose, sketch‑like quality. Cross‑hatching builds tonal variation, while the swift, gestural lines convey movement and emotional intensity. The unfinished appearance suggests the work functions as a preparatory study rather than a final, polished piece.

History & Provenance

The drawing is part of della Bella’s modest engagement with sacred themes, which appear intermittently among his predominantly secular subjects. Its date of 1637 places it early in his career, a period when he was establishing his reputation as a versatile draughtsman and printmaker.

Artist & collection

Artist

Stefano Della Bella

Stefano della Bella (18 May 1610 – 12 July 1664) was an Italian draughtsman and printmaker known for etchings of a great variety of subjects, including military and court scenes, landscapes, and lively genre scenes.