Artwork
St. Martina
St. Martina is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Pietro da Cortona. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Pietro da Cortona's *St. Martina* (1635) is an early Italian Baroque oil painting on canvas, showcasing the artist's lesser-known yet significant engagement with religious subjects alongside his more prominent architectural and fresco works.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts St. Martina, a Christian martyr, in a symbolic attire and setting. Her gaze directed to the right may imply a look towards heaven or an external spiritual focus, while the green plant (possibly a palm, symbolizing martyrdom) and red accents (signifying blood or sacrifice) reinforce her saintly narrative.
Technique & Style
Characteristic of Cortona's Baroque style, *St. Martina* employs chiaroscuro, evident in the contrast between the subject's vibrant, golden-accented attire against a somber black background. The use of impasto is also suggested by the textured, expressive brushwork, particularly in the depiction of fabrics and hair.
History & Provenance
Painted in 1635, during Cortona's active period in Rome and Florence, *St. Martina* is now part of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's collection, reflecting the global dissemination of Italian Baroque art.
Context
While Cortona is renowned for monumental projects like the Palazzo Barberini's ceiling, *St. Martina* represents his contribution to the development of Baroque painting, characterized by dramatic lighting and emotionally charged subjects.
Legacy
As a work by a primarily architectural artist, *St. Martina* highlights Cortona's versatility and the broader artistic trends of 17th-century Italy, influencing the evolution of Baroque interior decoration and religious iconography.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Pietro da Cortona (Italian: ; 1 November 1596 or 1597 – 16 May 1669) was an Italian Baroque painter and architect.
