Who painted The Sermon of the Apostle Jacobus Maior?

The Sermon of the Apostle Jacobus Maior was painted by Martin Johann Schmidt in 1764.

Where can I see The Sermon of the Apostle Jacobus Maior?

The Sermon of the Apostle Jacobus Maior is held by Kunsthistorisches Museum.

What movement is The Sermon of the Apostle Jacobus Maior?

The Sermon of the Apostle Jacobus Maior is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

The Sermon of the Apostle Jacobus Maior

Martin Johann Schmidt , 1764

The Sermon of the Apostle Jacobus Maior is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Martin Johann Schmidt. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1764, *The Sermon of the Apostle Jacobus Maior* is an oil painting by Austrian artist Martin Johann Schmidt, often referred to as Kremser Schmidt. The work depicts a biblical figure delivering a sermon to an assembled group, set against a backdrop populated with celestial beings. It is part of the permanent collection of Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, clothed in a vivid yellow robe, stands upon a stone platform, his right hand raised in a gesture of emphasis while his left hand holds a book, suggesting the act of preaching. Surrounding him are listeners of varied posture—some seated, others standing—who appear absorbed in the discourse, reflecting the devotional focus of the scene.

Technique & Style

A palette that juxtaposes warm yellows against cooler background tones enhances depth and draws attention to the central sermon.

Schmidt employs a Baroque‑Rococo visual language, combining dynamic composition with delicate detailing. The painter renders the folds of the garments with fine brushwork, creating a tactile sense of texture, while the faces of the crowd convey a range of expressive emotions. A palette that juxtaposes warm yellows against cooler background tones enhances depth and draws attention to the central sermon.

History & Provenance

Martin Johann Schmidt, a leading figure in late‑Baroque Austrian art, produced the painting for ecclesiastical patronage, typical of his output for churches and monasteries in Lower Austria. The canvas later entered the holdings of the Kunsthistorisches Museum, where it remains on display as part of the museum’s Baroque collection.

Context

Schmidt’s work reflects the influence of northern Italian painting, evident in the composition’s theatricality and the nuanced handling of light and color. The piece aligns with the period’s emphasis on religious narrative, serving both as a visual aid for worship and as a demonstration of the artist’s skill in conveying spiritual fervor through secular artistic conventions.

Artist & collection

Artist

Martin Johann Schmidt

Martin Johann Schmidt, called Kremser Schmidt or Kremserschmidt, (25 September 1718 – 28 June 1801), was one of the outstanding Austrian painters of the late Baroque/Rococo along with Franz Anton Maulbertsch.