Who painted Saint Margaret?

Saint Margaret was painted by German 15th Century in 1465.

Where can I see Saint Margaret?

Saint Margaret is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Margaret?

Saint Margaret is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Margaret

German 15th Century , 1465

Saint Margaret 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

This hand‑colored woodcut portrays Saint Margaret, identifiable by her halo and staff, standing beside a dragon. She wears a pink garment and is set against a backdrop that includes a church, a tree, and a clear blue sky. The composition is organized around the central figure, creating a balanced visual field that guides the eye across the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The image references the legend of Saint Margaret, who is traditionally associated with the triumph over a dragon, symbolizing the victory of faith over evil. The presence of the church and the tree reinforces themes of sanctity and spiritual growth, while the halo underscores her holy status within Christian iconography.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the print is enhanced with hand‑applied pigments in red, blue, yellow, vermilion, and gold. The artist employs bold outlines and flat areas of color, producing a straightforward, graphic aesthetic. This approach emphasizes clarity of form and a harmonious color scheme, typical of early printmaking aimed at broad visual impact.

Context

The work belongs to the broader tradition of Renaissance printmaking, where woodcuts served both devotional and instructional purposes. By rendering a popular saint’s narrative in an accessible, vividly colored format, the piece reflects the period’s interest in disseminating religious stories to a wide audience through reproducible media.