Who painted Saint Ottilia?

Saint Ottilia was painted by German 15th Century in 1480.

Where can I see Saint Ottilia?

Saint Ottilia is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Ottilia?

Saint Ottilia is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Ottilia

German 15th Century , 1480

Saint Ottilia is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work depicts three figures rendered in vivid, flat areas of color set against a plain sky.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts three figures rendered in vivid, flat areas of color set against a plain sky. The leftmost figure, clothed in a dark robe, holds an object resembling a book. The central figure is distinguished by a dark halo and a white veil, while the rightmost figure is adorned in red and gold, crowned, winged, and clutching a small animal.

Subject & Meaning

The composition suggests a religious narrative, likely portraying Saint Ottilia alongside attendant saints or angels. The book‑like object may symbolize scripture or devotion, the halo denotes sanctity, and the crowned, winged figure could represent an angelic messenger or a patron saint, reinforcing the spiritual theme of intercession and divine presence.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the image was printed from a carved wooden block onto laid paper, then hand‑colored with pigments in black, green, red, yellow, blue, gold, and orange. Tarnished silver leaf, originally bright, now appears darkened, a common effect of age. The flat, decorative color fields and simplified forms reflect the aesthetic of 15th‑century devotional prints.

History & Provenance

The piece belongs to the tradition of religious prints that circulated widely in the late medieval period, serving both liturgical and private devotional functions. While specific ownership records are absent, its material and stylistic traits align it with workshops that produced affordable, hand‑colored woodcuts for a broad audience across Europe.