Artwork
St Lawrence
St Lawrence is a tempera painting by the Early Renaissance artist Domenico Ghirlandaio. It is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Domenico Ghirlandaio's painting 'St Lawrence' is a tempera work from 1496, characteristic of the early Renaissance. It is now part of the Alte Pinakothek collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Saint Lawrence of Rome, a Christian martyr, identified by his attributes: a gridiron and a book. The Latin inscription at the top, translating to 'I was not consumed by the fire', alludes to his martyrdom by roasting on a gridiron.
Technique & Style
The work showcases Ghirlandaio's skill in narrative clarity and detailed figure representation. The saint is set against a dark background, with a golden halo, and is dressed in a red robe and green cloak, rendered in bright, flat colors with carefully drawn edges.
Artist & collection
Artist
Domenico di Tommaso Curradi di Doffo Bigordi (2 June 1448 – 11 January 1494), professionally known as Domenico Ghirlandaio (also spelt as Ghirlandajo), was an Italian Renaissance painter born in Florence.
