The artwork “St. Bartholomew” is a religious painting by the renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt, created in 1657 during his time in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Executed in oil on canvas, this piece exemplifies the dramatic intensity and emotional depth characteristic of the Baroque movement. Measuring 122.7 cm by 99.7 cm, it is currently housed at the Timken Museum of Art in San Diego, California, United States.
The artwork portrays St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, who is often depicted with a book and a knife, referencing his martyrdom. In this darkly toned composition, Rembrandt renders the saint with a palpable sense of presence, utilizing his mastery of chiaroscuro to illuminate the saint’s face and hands against the surrounding shadows. The expression of St. Bartholomew is introspective and almost enigmatic; his gaze appears to be directed inward as much as outward, suggesting a moment of profound contemplation or inner turmoil.
The knife, which St. Bartholomew holds delicately in his right hand, serves as a stark symbol of his faith and eventual sacrifice. Rembrandt’s skill in conveying texture and material is evident in the portrayal of the saint’s garments and the reflective surface of the blade, adding a tactile dimension to the visual narrative. Overall, the artwork resonates with a spiritual gravitas, with Rembrandt’s painterly techniques creating a powerful and evocative depiction of the saint.