Artwork
St Paul
St Paul is a watercolor work on paper by the Arts and Crafts movement artist Ernest William Tristram. It dates from 1928 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1928 watercolour, 'St Paul', is the work of Ernest William Tristram. It is a copy of a medieval wall painting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts St Paul, shown calmly touching a snake, symbolizing his encounter with a viper on the island of Malta. A halo behind his head signifies his sainthood. The serene scene conveys a moment of peaceful interaction between the saint and the potentially threatening creature.
Technique & Style
The watercolour features a simple composition, with a robed figure set against a soft, idyllic background of trees and cloudy sky. Tristram's use of watercolour achieves a quiet, contemplative atmosphere, with the snake and St Paul's gentle gesture rendered in clear, delicate detail.
History & Provenance
The original wall painting is located in St Anselm's Chapel, Canterbury Cathedral, on the north side of the apse at the east end. Tristram's watercolour copy was made in 1928.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ernest William Tristram (1882–1952) was a British art historian, artist and conservator, and Professor of Design at the Royal College of Art (1926–1948).
