Artwork
Saint Susanna
Saint Susanna is a drawing by Matteo di ser Cambio di Bettolo. It dates from 1385 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1385, this miniature drawing depicts Saint Susanna. Executed by Matteo di ser Cambio di Bettolo, the work is rendered on vellum, a fine animal‑skin support traditionally used for small‑scale devotional images. Though modest in size, the piece exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship typical of late‑fourteenth‑century Italian religious art.
Subject & Meaning
The figure shown is Saint Susanna, a martyr venerated for her steadfast faith. The composition presents her in a contemplative pose, emphasizing her sanctity and the virtues associated with her legend. By focusing on a single saint, the drawing would have served as a personal object of piety or a model for larger liturgical works.
Technique & Style
Matteo employed delicate line work and subtle coloration to suggest volume on the vellum surface. Through careful modulation of light and shadow, the artist achieved a nascent chiaroscuro effect, granting the figure a sense of three‑dimensionality despite the miniature format. The fine brushstrokes convey texture in both the saint’s garments and the background.
History & Provenance
The drawing originates from the late Trecento period in Italy, a time when miniature devotional objects were commonly produced for private devotion. While specific ownership records are lacking, the work reflects the broader practice of creating portable sacred images for personal use, a tradition that persisted in ecclesiastical circles throughout the medieval era.
Artist & collection
![Christ in Majesty [recto], by French 12th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/french-12th-century--christ-in-majesty-recto--312aa8dd5634bdac-w320.webp)
