The artwork titled “St. James the Apostle” was created by the renowned Northern Renaissance artist Albrecht Dürer in 1516. The medium of this religious painting is tempera on canvas. It is part of the collection at the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, Italy. This piece is a fine example of the detailed and meticulous style characteristic of the Northern Renaissance, which often conveyed religious themes with a high degree of realism.
The painting depicts St. James the Apostle, recognizable by his traditional iconography. The saint is shown with a long, flowing white beard and a solemn expression on his face. Dürer’s mastery of detail is evident in the rendering of the saint’s furrowed brow, the texture of his beard, and the intricate folds of his garment. St. James gazes off to the side, suggesting a moment of contemplation or divine inspiration. The use of color is restrained, with a focus on earthy tones and the striking contrast of the red garment, which adds a touch of vibrancy to the composition.
Albrecht Dürer’s ability to capture the human condition and his skill in portraying the sacred is evident in this work, making it a valuable piece of religious art from the Northern Renaissance period.
