Artwork

Saint Barbara

Saint Barbara, by German 15th Century, ink, 1465
Saint Barbara, by German 15th Century, ink, 1465

Saint Barbara is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1465 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saint Barbara is a woodcut print, enhanced with hand-coloring in red, blue, yellow, green, and gold. The image features a seated female figure, identifiable as Saint Barbara, set against a backdrop that includes a distinctive white building with a green roof.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Saint Barbara, is depicted in attire and accessories (red robe, blue dress, gold crown) and with an unspecified small object, alluding to her martyrdom and saintly status. The adjacent building, possibly a church or tower, reinforces the religious context.

Technique & Style

Executed in a simple, flat style with bold lines, the print's vibrant color palette (red, blue, yellow, green, gold) creates a striking visual effect. The aesthetic aligns with Renaissance influences, evident in both the composition and the use of color.

History & Provenance

No specific historical or provenance details are provided for this particular woodcut of Saint Barbara.

Context

The artwork reflects the Renaissance period's artistic tendencies, characterized by straightforward compositions and the strategic use of bright, symbolic colors in religious themes.

Legacy

While the specific impact of this Saint Barbara woodcut is not detailed, works of this nature contributed to the widespread dissemination of religious imagery during the Renaissance, influencing popular religious art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.