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Simone Martini
(about 1284–1344)
Saint John the Evangelist
Siena, 1320
Tempera on wood
This originally formed the right-hand panel of three — a triptych. The others would have shown the dead Christ in the centre, with the grieving Virgin Mary to the left. Saint John’s sorrow is a reaction to Christ’s death. The panels could be folded up and used as a private and portable devotional aid on journeys.
Simone dated the work at the bottom of the panel. There is no signature, but the refined use of colour, the elegant borders to the drapery and the fine decoration in the gilding are characteristic of this innovative artist.
Purchased 1938 (No. 38.12)