Artwork
Apostolul Pavel
Apostolul Pavel is a drawing by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the "Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum. The work portrays a bearded male figure with dark hair, dressed in a blue shirt beneath a red cloak.
About this work
Overview
The work portrays a bearded male figure with dark hair, dressed in a blue shirt beneath a red cloak. A halo hovers behind his head, and he holds an open book featuring white pages edged with red stripes. The background is split horizontally, the upper half rendered in blue and the lower half in red, creating a stark two‑tone field.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is identified as the Apostle Paul, suggested by the halo and the presence of a book, a traditional symbol of his epistolary contributions to early Christianity. His direct gaze and solemn expression convey a sense of authority and contemplation, aligning with his role as a theological teacher.
Technique & Style
The composition relies on bold, clean lines and simplified geometric shapes, giving the image a graphic clarity. The limited palette—primarily blues, reds, and muted tones—enhances the visual contrast between the figure and the background, while the red‑striped book adds a focal accent within the restrained color scheme.
History & Provenance
The creator of the piece remains unidentified, and no documented provenance accompanies the image. As a result, the work is catalogued under an unknown artist, with its origins and prior ownership unrecorded.
Artist & collection
Museum
"Dimitrie Gusti" National Village Museum
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