A Pope (Saint Gregory?) and Saint Matthias
- Artist: Masolino
- Date: about 1428-9
- Medium: oil and egg tempera, originally on wood, transferred to board
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "A Pope (Saint Gregory?) and Saint Matthias" by Masolino. Painted in the Italian north around 1428-9, this panel showcases the artist's unique style, mixing oil into his tempera paints to achieve subtle changes in tone.
To your left is Matthias, an apostle who was martyred by Jewish priests. He's shown holding the axe that was used to kill him, with blood dripping down the handle. According to legend, he was buried at the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome, where this panel formed part of a grand altarpiece.
To Matthias' right is the pope, Saint Gregory the Great, wearing the papal tiara – three layers of gold crowns. According to legend, Gregory made a procession to Santa Maria Maggiore in 590 to ask for the Virgin's help when the city was struck by a plague.
Notice how Masolino used silver leaf and a red glaze to create a sense of depth and luminosity in Gregory's cloak. This attention to detail reflects the artist's commitment to capturing the essence of his subjects.
See it in person
A Pope (Saint Gregory?) and Saint Matthias hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
