Saint Andrew

Saint Andrew by Simone Martini, painted between 1317 and 1319, is a monumental example of early 14th-century Italian tempera painting executed on wood with a characteristic lavish gold ground. Martini, a leading master of the Sienese School, likely created this panel as part of a larger altarpiece or polyptych honoring various saints.

The figure of Saint Andrew is immediately recognizable by the large, diagonal cross he holds, the instrument of his martyrdom. The quality of the tempera application emphasizes the rich, complex drapery and the meticulous detail typical of the International Gothic style emerging during this period. The carefully incised gold ground functions not merely as a background but symbolically represents the eternal, luminous nature of the divine.

This piece offers valuable insight into devotional practices and artistic production in early Renaissance Italy. The subject holds a closed book, symbolizing his role as an apostle and preacher of the Gospel, contrasting the stark form of the cross of sacrifice. Originally commissioned for religious use, Saint Andrew now resides in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it serves as a cornerstone of their early Italian painting holdings. As a pivotal historical artifact, the image is frequently studied by scholars. High-quality prints reflecting the delicate detail and brilliance of the gold work are often sought, and many museums, including the MET, make such early period works available to the public domain for research and educational purposes.