Saint Bartholomew

Sebald Beham

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a man standing. He is positioned facing slightly to the right, with his head turned slightly to his left. The man has facial features including a bushy beard and wavy, tousled hair. He is clad in a flowing robe with voluminous sleeves and a draped outer garment, which he holds in his left hand. His right hand holds a large, curved knife with the blade pointing downward. The man is barefoot, and his feet stand on uneven ground covered with pebbles. Surrounding him are tufts of grass and a few plants. Several rectangular stone blocks are at his feet. The background has hatching lines suggesting radiant light emanating from behind. To the left of the figure, the text "S. BARTHOLOMEVS" is inscribed vertically.