St. BartholomewFranciabigio · 1515

Identification of St. Bartholomew by Franciabigio

In this portrait of St. Bartholomew, the artist Franciabigio presents a figure of quiet intensity. Created in 1515, the work focuses on the singular presence of the saint, capturing a moment of stillness that invites close observation. The subject is depicted wearing a red robe, a garment that suggests his status as a religious figure or a martyr. This choice of attire provides a heavy, saturated weight to the composition, grounding the figure within the frame.

There is a specific, unsettling detail that defines the iconography of this piece. The man is shown holding a knife in his hand, a direct reference to the circumstances of his martyrdom. This attribute is held with a certain naturalism, avoiding the overly dramatic gestures often found in religious painting. Instead, the knife serves as a quiet, constant reminder of the saint's history. The interplay between the man's steady gaze and the instrument in his hand creates a subtle tension that defines the character of the work.

Technique and Material of the Portrait

Executed around 1515, this work utilizes the traditional medium of oil on panel. The choice of a wooden support provides a stable, smooth surface for the artist to apply layers of pigment, allowing for a controlled application of color. This method was essential for achieving the subtle transitions in tone seen throughout the composition.

The oil medium allows for a particular depth in the rendering of the red robe. By building up thin glazes, the artist achieves a sense of weight and texture in the fabric. There is a quiet precision in how the light interacts with the surface, a quality often found in the Florentine tradition of the early sixteenth century. The paint sits upon the panel with a certain stillness, capturing a moment of intense psychological presence.

Current Location of the Artwork

This oil on panel work is held within the collections of the Palace of Capodimonte. It resides in Naples, Italy, where it remains part of the permanent display. The piece is situated in this specific setting, allowing for a direct encounter with the artist's hand.

Visitors to the Palace of Capodimonte can find this depiction of the saint within its halls. It is kept in Naples, where the light of the region meets the subtle textures of the paint. The work is currently displayed in this Italian institution.