Saint James the Great of Compostella

The Master of the Saint Bartholomew Altarpiece painted this Saint James the Great around 1500, during his peak years as one of Cologne's finest painters. Named after a large altarpiece in Munich, this master combined meticulous craftsmanship with an ornamental richness that reflects his possible Netherlandish training. His saints are distinguished by their jewel-like coloring and elaborate vestments. The oil medium allowed for rich tonal transitions and glazed layers of color that created luminous depth impossible with the older tempera technique.

Oil on panel with extraordinary precision in the rendering of the saint's pilgrim attributes and brocade garments. The jewel-like palette and the ornate decorative detail are hallmarks of this master's distinctive style.