Saint James before Agrippa
- Artist: Germany late 15th century
- Date: 1475 - 1499
- Medium: oil on panel
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the Saint James before Agrippa, painted in late 15th‑century Germany between 1475 and 1499. The work is an oil on panel, a medium that allows subtle gradations and rich color. The painting dates to a period of transition in German art, when artists began to experiment with oil techniques that would later become dominant in the early modern era. The panel support gives the canvas a sturdy, flat surface, making the composition feel grounded. The date range, 1475 to 1499, places the piece toward the end of the century, when German painters were increasingly engaging with detailed, realistic representation of figures. The painting’s title suggests a religious scene involving Saint James and Agrippa, a historical reference that would have resonated with contemporary viewers. The artist’s background in late 15th‑century Germany would have influenced the iconography and stylistic choices, though we can’t say more without further documentation.
See it in person
Saint James before Agrippa hangs in The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House, London. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
