Saint James the Less

Saint James the Less at the Courtauld Gallery, dating to about 1460, may have formed part of a series of apostle figures. Lippi's late work shows an increasing monumentality of form, influenced perhaps by Andrea del Castagno's powerful figures, while retaining the lyrical sweetness that was his personal hallmark throughout his career. Characteristic of the artist's mature approach, the work displays linear grace combined with a new emotional warmth, delicate color, innovative compositional devices including the tondo format, lyrical landscape backgrounds.

The apostle's figure fills the panel with quiet authority, Lippi's firm contours and warm flesh tones creating a convincing physical presence enhanced by the subtle fall of light across the face and hands.