Artwork
Portrait of St Nicholas

Portrait of St Nicholas is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jacob de Punder. It dates from 1563 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of St Nicholas is a 1563 oil painting by Jacob de Punder, a Flemish Renaissance artist known for portraiture. The work is characterized by the Northern Renaissance's emphasis on realistic detail and subtle symbolism, depicting the saint in elaborate ecclesiastical attire.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, St Nicholas, is portrayed holding a staff and wearing a pearl-embellished pointed hat and a intricately designed golden robe, indicating a high ecclesiastical rank. The meticulous detail in his attire conveys importance and reverence.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the painting exemplifies Northern Renaissance techniques, prioritizing lifelike representation. De Punder's approach focuses on capturing the intricacies of texture and pattern in the saint's ornate clothing.
History & Provenance
Created in 1563, the painting is now part of the Walters Art Museum's collection. While de Punder's broader oeuvre is defined by portraiture, specific provenance details prior to its museum acquisition are not highlighted in available information.
Context
Painted during the Northern Renaissance, the work reflects the period's artistic values: detailed realism and the conveyance of individual character through attire and demeanor. De Punder's style aligns with contemporaries who emphasized realism in religious subjects.
Legacy
As part of the Walters Art Museum's collection, Portrait of St Nicholas contributes to the understanding of 16th-century Flemish portraiture and the artistic interpretation of religious figures during the Northern Renaissance. Its legacy is intertwined with the museum's educational and preservation efforts.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jacob de Punder or Jacques de Punder (1527 – c.1570), was a Flemish Renaissance painter mainly known for his portrait paintings.











