The artwork “Saint Bartholomew” is an oil on panel painting by the renowned Flemish artist Anthony van Dyck, a masterful proponent of the Baroque art movement. Measuring 63.5 by 48.5 cm, this religious painting is also classified as a tronie—a type of work focusing on interesting facial expressions and characters. Currently, it is held in a private collection.
In the artwork, Saint Bartholomew is depicted as an elder man with a reflective and somewhat solemn countenance. The painting shows him gazing downward with furrowed brows, presenting a powerful study of emotion and character typical of Baroque portraiture. The saint’s grey hair and beard suggest age and wisdom, while the light catches the delicate lines and textures of his face, emphasizing a sense of lived experience and inner contemplation. He is clad in earthy-toned garments that drape over one shoulder, rendered with an exquisite sense of volume and form. The warmth of these tones contrasts effectively with the dark background.
Importantly, Saint Bartholomew is identified not only by his aged appearance but also by the attribute he holds: a large, curved knife, a reference to his martyrdom, in which he was flayed alive. This attribute, held in his right hand, rests against the golden drapery and is painted with precise detail, reflecting the light and further drawing the viewer’s eye to this significant symbol. Van Dyck’s use of dramatic chiaroscuro, with sharp contrasts of light and shadow, imbues the artwork with emotional intensity and highlights his technical prowess within the Baroque genre. Overall, the painting is a compelling portrayal of the saint, invoking empathy and reverence in the viewer.
