Artwork

St Mark

St Mark, by Giovanni Antonio Bellinzoni da Pesaro, unspecified, 1456
St Mark, by Giovanni Antonio Bellinzoni da Pesaro, unspecified, 1456

St Mark is an unspecified painting by Giovanni Antonio Bellinzoni da Pesaro. It dates from 1456 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.

About this work

Overview

St Mark is a painting created by Italian Renaissance artist Giovanni Antonio Bellinzoni da Pesaro around 1456. The work is now part of the Ashmolean Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts St Mark, identifiable by his traditional attributes, in a contemplative pose. He wears a green and purple robe, stands against a gold background, and holds an open book with visible text, symbolizing his role as an evangelist and writer of the Gospel.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details of the painting are not provided, Bellinzoni's training under his father and later independent work on religious frescoes in the Marche region likely influenced the traditional, serene composition and use of symbolic color.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1456, the painting's early history is not detailed here, but it is known to have entered the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.

Context

St Mark reflects the Renaissance's religious art themes, where saints were often depicted in serene, symbolic settings. The use of a gold background and specific colors (green and purple) for the robe may signify sanctity and spiritual wealth.

Legacy

The painting's legacy is tied to its representation of traditional Renaissance religious art. As part of the Ashmolean Museum, it contributes to the study and appreciation of early Italian Renaissance painting techniques and religious themes.

Artist & collection

Ashmolean Museum

Museum

Ashmolean Museum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

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