Who painted Hl. Cyriakus mit Stifter?

Hl. Cyriakus mit Stifter was painted by Unknown in 1472.

Where can I see Hl. Cyriakus mit Stifter?

Hl. Cyriakus mit Stifter is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is Hl. Cyriakus mit Stifter?

Hl. Cyriakus mit Stifter is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Artwork

Hl. Cyriakus mit Stifter

Unknown , 1472

Hl. Cyriakus mit Stifter is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1472 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum. The work depicts a dignified figure clad in vivid red garments, seated upon an ornate throne.

About this work

Overview

The work depicts a dignified figure clad in vivid red garments, seated upon an ornate throne. He holds a book on his lap, while a modest town with towers and spires unfolds behind him beneath a muted sky. To the left, a kneeling youth in dark attire gazes upward with folded hands, suggesting reverence.

Subject & Meaning

The central character, crowned and bearing a staff, is presented as a person of high ecclesiastical or secular authority, likely a saint or patron. The presence of the kneeling boy implies a donor or devotee, highlighting the relationship between the honored figure and a benefactor.

Technique & Style

The painting employs a flat, unmodulated colour treatment for the face, creating a mask‑like appearance. Gold‑patterned upholstery on the throne and a stylised green foliage background provide decorative contrast, while the overall composition relies on clear outlines rather than chiaroscuro.

History & Provenance

The piece is titled “Hl. Cyriakus mit Stifter,” indicating a depiction of Saint Cyriacus accompanied by his patron. Its provenance traces to a collection that once belonged to the Kunsthistorisches Museum, though specific acquisition details remain limited.

Context

The work belongs to a tradition of donor portraiture common in late medieval and early Renaissance art, where patrons are shown in the presence of holy figures to underscore piety and social standing. The architectural backdrop reflects contemporary urban settings, grounding the sacred scene in a recognizable world.