St John the evangelist
Bartolo di Fredi·1375
Historical Context
This panel of St. John the Evangelist by Bartolo di Fredi, painted around 1375 and now in the Musée du Petit Palais in Avignon, reflects the international reach of Sienese Gothic painting. Bartolo di Fredi was one of the most prolific and distinctive Sienese painters of the late Trecento, known for his vivid narrative cycles and richly decorative style. The presence of this work in Avignon may connect to the city's role as papal seat and its extensive patronage of Italian artists.
Technical Analysis
Tempera and gold on panel. Bartolo di Fredi's recognizable style features elongated figures with expressive gestures, vibrant color combinations, and lavish gold tooling, maintaining the decorative splendor of the Sienese tradition established by Simone Martini.
