Saint Barbara in Glory with Saints Nicholas and Jerome

second half 16th century

Italian 16th Century

Associated Names
The image features three human figures and several cherubs in a classical artwork style. The upper portion shows a person depicted from the waist up, positioned within the clouds, their head slightly tilted upward, and one arm slightly raised while holding a palm frond. This person's facial features are delicate, with curly hair and a calm expression, adorned with a flowing robe. Accompanying this figure are several winged cherubs, one of whom appears to be holding a tower-like structure. The lower half of the image presents two additional standing figures on either side of a large, wheel-like symbol. Both are dressed in long, flowing garments, and one figure holds a crook-like staff. Their faces are less detailed, adding a sense of abstraction to their forms. The background displays a lively sky filled with swirling clouds, creating a dramatic and ethereal setting. The entire scene is composed with a sepia-toned palette, giving it an aged and classical appearance.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    pen and brown ink with brown and gray wash heightened with white on handmade rag paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet: 42 x 28.2 cm (16 9/16 x 11 1/8 in.)
    support: 46.5 x 33.3 cm (18 5/16 x 13 1/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.8891


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Lessing J. Rosenwald; gift 1943 to the National Gallery of Art.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

falsely inscribed, lower center in red ink: D. Ghirlandaio

Wikidata ID

Q64578957

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