“Saint Praxedis” is a Baroque-era oil painting on canvas created around 1655 by the Dutch artist Johannes Vermeer. It measures 68 cm by 78 cm and depicts a religious theme. The artwork is known to be part of the collection at the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, Japan, and may also be held in a private collection.
The painting features the figure of Saint Praxedis, a young woman portrayed in a moment of pious action. Dressed in a rich red garment with a white shawl draped over her shoulders, she appears to be squeezing a sponge soaked with blood into a chalice, a symbol of charity and the martyrdom associated with the saints of Christianity. Her face is gently bowed in a humble and meditative expression, demonstrating a serene spiritual dedication. Behind her, the background contains architectural elements, possibly alluding to the Roman context of her story.
The color palette primarily relies on deep reds, soft whites, and warmer earth tones, which contrast with the softer blues of the background sky. The artwork’s execution, with its attention to texture and expression, and the interplay of light and shadow are characteristic of Vermeer’s style and contribute to the contemplative atmosphere of the scene. The painting captures the emotional depth and devotional nature typical of Baroque religious art, designed to engage the viewer on both an aesthetic and spiritual level.
