Simone Martini, Saint Andrew, tempera on wood, gold ground, Italy ca. 1326, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Simone Martini created many breathtaking works that are admired today. The panel of Saint Andrew is from a five-part altarpiece, known as a polyptych. It is unclear who commissioned the altarpiece, but it is believed that the governing body of the medieval Italian city of Siena may have. When studying medieval art, Simone and Giotto are some of the most famous to this day. Simone’s pure technique and descriptive abilities are prominent in the facial expression of Saint Andrew. He appears to be gripping his book with a sense of protection. The cloth swaddles his body with three-dimensionalities. The eyes appear intimidating with tension and solemnity. The hair draping from his head connects to his beard with such excellence. The gold background brings Saint Andrew to life with luminosity. These intricate details were unmatched in medieval Europe and earned the applause and friendship of the poet Petrarch. The frame bordering the image is from its creation date.
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