Saint Simon

Saint Simon by Simone Martini is a profound example of Italian Gothic painting, created between 1315 and 1320. Executed meticulously in tempera on panel, this work showcases the artistic innovations of the Trecento period, spanning the years 1300 to 1400.

Martini was a pivotal figure in the Sienese School, known for his refined, graceful style, sophisticated use of color, and the dazzling application of gold leaf necessary for luxury commissions during this era. While the painting depicts the solitary figure of the saint, it is understood to be a fragment or a component panel originally forming part of a larger multi-part structure, likely a grand polyptych designed for a church altar. The technique required the painstaking application of pigments, resulting in a luminous surface typical of Sienese painting.

The careful rendering of the drapery, which falls in sharp, stylized folds, and the individualized features of the figure exemplify the shift towards greater naturalism seen in early 14th-century religious art, while simultaneously preserving the brilliant, non-naturalistic aesthetic of the Gothic era. This work captures the enduring influence of Sienese masters on religious imagery across Italy during the 14th century.

Today, this tempera painting is housed in the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. As a significant early masterwork from the period 1300 to 1400, its status as a valuable resource means high-quality images and prints are often made available to the public through public domain initiatives associated with the museum.