Artwork
Joachim Patinir. Sint Christoffel
Joachim Patinir. Sint Christoffel is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Joachim Patinir. It dates from 1519 and is held in the collection of the Catholic University of Leuven.
About this work
Overview
Joachim Patinir's 'Sint Christoffel' (Saint Christopher) is a religious painting from the Northern Renaissance, created between 1515 and 1524 using oil on panel. The work is characterized by meticulous detail and a vivid landscape backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts Saint Christopher, a significant religious figure, often represented in art for his role in safely carrying the Christ child across a river. The subject reflects the era's strong religious themes intertwined with naturalistic settings.
Technique & Style
Patinir employed chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing contrasts between light and dark to achieve depth. This, combined with the detailed landscape, aligns with Northern Renaissance interests in naturalism and religious symbolism.
History & Provenance
Originally part of the Université de Louvain's collection (between 1839 and 1939), the painting is now housed at the Museum Mayer van den Bergh in Antwerp, Belgium. A glass slide of the work, photographed by an unknown artist, exists in the KU Leuven archives.
Context
Created during the Northern Renaissance, 'Sint Christoffel' embodies the period's dual fascination with religious themes and meticulous natural depictions, reflecting the artistic and theological values of early 16th-century Europe.
Artist & collection
Artist
Joachim Patinir, also called Patenier, was a Flemish Renaissance painter of history and landscape subjects.
The Penitence of Saint Jerome
Landscape with St Jerome
Rest during the Flight to Egypt
Landscape with Charon Crossing the Styx
Landscape with the temptation of St Antony
The Baptism of Christ
Martyrdom of Saint Catherine
The Assumption of the Virgin, with the Nativity, the Resurrection, the Adoration of the Magi, the Ascension of Christ, Saint Mark and an Angel, and Saint Luke and an Ox
Anoniem (naar Joachim Patinir). Rust op de vlucht naar Egypte
Joachim Patinir (studio). Rest on the flight into Egypt
Pieter Brueghel the Elder. Conversion of Paul
Joachim Patinir. De oversteek naar de onderwereld
Pieter Aertsen. Crucifixion
Michiel Coxie I. Triptiek Zijpaneel: Johannes de Evangelist in Patmos
Joachim Patinir. Rest on the flight into Egypt
Pieter Aertsen. Boerengezelschap bij de haard
Bernard van Orley (kopie). Heilige Familie
Jan van Hemessen. De verloren zoon
Jan Gossaert. Christus op de olijfberg
Maarten de Vos. Altaarstuk van de gilde van de oude voetboog