An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Saint Paulc. 1460
Artist: Vincenzo Foppa
Italian (Brescia), c. 1427/30 - 1515/16
a pair with Saint Sirus (66.37.1); probably they were the lateral wings of a triptych dedicated to the Virgin Mary; arched top
21 5/8 x 12 1/8 in. (54.93 x 30.8 cm) (image)
21 7/8 x 12 1/2 x 5/8 in. (55.56 x 31.75 x 1.59 cm) (panel)
Tempera on panel
Painting
Italy
15th century
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund
In a tranquil studio, the soft hum of creation resonated in the air as artisans set their hands to the task of crafting the sublime panel paintings of Saint Paul and Saint Sirus. These artworks, believed to be part of a magnificent altarpiece, transformed mere planks of wood into sacred narratives, each telling a tale as old as faith itself.
The journey began with the humble wooden panels, smoothed and prepared with meticulous care. Layer upon layer of gesso was lovingly applied, a mixture of glue, size, and chalk creating a pure white foundation. This base was not just a surface; it was a canvas of potential, ready to hold the dreams and devotion of the artists. Chasing the light and weaving stories, they raised areas of the paintings with pastiglia, imbuing textures into the work that could almost be felt—like the delicate edge of Sirus’s headpiece or the firm touch of Saint Paul’s sword hilt.
To add a whisper of opulence, red bole—a rich blend of clay and size—was carefully brushed onto selected areas, preparing them for gilding. The anticipation hung in the air, a silent vow that these spaces would shimmer with gold leaf, gleaming like the promises made in faith.
Once the groundwork was painstakingly laid, the true artistry began. The figures emerged under the artists’ skilled hands, painted in layers of egg tempera—an age-old recipe combining ground pigments, water, and egg yolk. Each stroke was a prayer, each color a heartbeat, as the saints took form against the backdrop of history and devotion.
In each panel, you could sense the devotion, the unwavering focus of those artists who breathed life into wood. These paintings encapsulated not just their craftsmanship, but an entire legacy, calling forth the spiritual realms they were designed to honor. As you gaze upon Saint Paul and Saint Sirus, you find more than paint and wood; you discover stories that resonate with the depths of the human spirit, narratives that invite you to pause and reflect on the connections that bind us all.
About the artist
Inspiring wonder through the power of art. The Minneapolis Institute of Art enriches the community by collecting, preserving, and making accessible outstanding works of art from the world’s diverse cultures.
The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.
Address: 2400 Third Avenue South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404
The best place to view Minneapolis Institute of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.