A Bishop Saint
- Artist: Italian, Umbrian
- Date: mid-14th century
- Medium: fresco with areas of secco, transferred to canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This is "A Bishop Saint" painted by an Italian artist from the Umbrian region. It's one of three fragments that possibly came from a large composition once part of the Palazzo del Podesta in Assisi. We believe they were created in the first half of the 14th century, and have only recently been attributed to the Master of San Crispino.
What's really interesting about this painting is that it's an example of early fresco work. Unlike most medieval paintings, which are on panels or linen supports, "A Bishop Saint" was actually painted directly onto a wall using wet plaster as its base. Some areas were then finished with dry brushwork, known as secco.
Take a closer look at the bishop's robes and facial features - you can see the subtle play of light and shadow that gives this fresco such depth and texture. The artist's use of vibrant colours really brings out the intricate details in the painting, don't you think?
See it in person
A Bishop Saint hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
