Saint Lawrence
- Artist: Master of the Fogg Pieta
- Date: (circa) 1335
- Medium: tempera on panel, integral frame
- Museum: The Courtauld Gallery
- Collection record: The Courtauld Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the “Saint Lawrence” by the Master of the Fogg Pieta. The work dates from around 1335 and is executed in tempera on a wooden panel with an integral frame, a common technique of the early Italian quattrocento. The painter, whose real name remains unknown, was active in both Assisi and Florence, and he also worked as a stained‑glass artist—an unusual combination that hints at a versatile skill set.
What makes this fragment particularly interesting is that it is part of a larger, complex altarpiece. The central panel of that ensemble is now housed in the Fogg Museum at Harvard, a fact that actually gives the artist his modern moniker. Another fragment of the same composition is on long‑term loan to the Courtauld Gallery. Together, these pieces paint a picture of a sophisticated narrative scene, broken into separate panels for liturgical or devotional purposes.
In terms of style, the Master of the Fogg Pieta shows an expressive, individual approach that sets him apart from his contemporaries. His brushwork is bold, and he favors a vivid palette that brings the saint’s martyrdom to life. The compositional choices—dynamic poses, intense facial expressions, and a sense of movement—convey both reverence and immediacy.
So, as you observe the saint’s gaze and the dramatic gestures, consider how this small panel connects to a larger story, how it reflects the workshop practices of 14th‑century Italy, and how the painter’s dual expertise in tempera and stained glass might have influenced his use of light and color.
See it in person
Saint Lawrence 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.
