Saint John the Evangelist

Simone Martini, the foremost exponent of courtly Gothic style in Siena, painted this image of Saint John the Evangelist around 1320 during his most productive period. The panel exemplifies the refined, aristocratic aesthetic that made Simone the favorite painter of both the Sienese republic and the Angevin court of Naples. His influence on the International Gothic style would extend across Europe through his later work at the papal court in Avignon.

Egg tempera on gold-ground panel with elaborate punch-work decoration in the haloes. Simone's characteristic sinuous line and luminous color harmonies create an effect of jewel-like preciousness, with the saint's features rendered in delicate sfumato-like transitions.