Anonymous painter | 15th century

Currently on display: Palazzo Farnese Civic Museums, Art Gallery

This work, executed in a rather rough style and likely originating from Lombardy, is characterised by a Nordic and figurative style. Paul is a recurring figure in Christian art. He appears in frescoes, paintings, mosaics, miniatures, icons, statues, bas-reliefs and stained-glass windows.  In modern times, novels, songs, films and musicals refer to him. In antiquity, the most common attribute was the scroll or book he held in his hand, symbolising his letters. From the 13th century onwards, the sword appeared as an iconographic attribute, evoking both his past as a persecutor and his martyrdom by beheading. He can also be recognised by his long beard, sometimes by his old age and his hunchback (which is not the case here).

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