Artwork
Saint Paul
Saint Paul is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Nuno Gonçalves. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the National Museum of Ancient Art.
About this work
The painting is dated to the early 1470s, a time when Portuguese art was beginning to absorb new influences.
Saint Paul is an oil painting on oak by Portuguese artist Nuno Gonçalves, made around 1470. The work belongs to the late Gothic period in Portugal. The painting is dated to the early 1470s, a time when Portuguese art was beginning to absorb new influences.
It shows the Apostle Paul seated, dressed in red, the colour of martyrdom. He holds a sword and a book rests on his lap, highlighting his role as a writer and martyr.
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Overview
Saint Paul is an oil on oak painting attributed to Nuno Gonçalves, a Portuguese Renaissance artist. Created around 1470–1480, it is now held in the National Museum of Ancient Art in Lisbon.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts the Apostle Paul seated, dressed in red, symbolizing martyrdom. He holds a sword, while a book rests on his lap, signifying his dual role as a writer and martyr.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint on oak, the work exemplifies the late Gothic style prevalent in Portugal during the period. It reflects the early absorption of new influences in Portuguese art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Nuno Gonçalves (c. 1425 – c. 1491, fl. 1450–71) was court painter to Afonso V of Portugal from 1450 to 1471. Gonçalves is widely considered the most accomplished Portuguese painter of the 15th century. His surviving…
