Provenance
Possibly from the monastery of Piedra, near Saragossa [Gudiol 1953, p. 302,]. Charles Deering, Palau “Marycel,” Sitges, near Barcelona, and Chicago, before 1921 [a photograph shows the panels installed at “Marycel”; the paintings and other works from Deering’s collection were placed on loan at the Art Institute in 1921; loan agreement, Nov. 18, 1921, Art Institute Archives].; given to his daughters Mrs. Chauncey McCormick and Mrs. Richard E. Danielson, 1924; Mrs. Chauncey McCormick, in a division of their joint property, 1937 [registrar’s records]; given to the Art Institute, 1962.
Accession Number
15716
Medium
Tempera with oil glazes on panel
Dimensions
156.2 × 92.1 cm (61 1/2 × 36 1/4 in.)
Classification
Painting
Credit Line
Gift of Mrs. Chauncey McCormick
Background & Context
Background Story
Martin de Soria's Saint Christopher Meets Satan; Saint Christopher before the King of Lycia (1480-85) is a tempera with oil glazes on panel from the Spanish Renaissance. The painting depicts two scenes from the legend of Saint Christopher: his meeting with Satan and his appearance before the King of Lycia. The tempera technique with oil glazes creates luminous colors and precise details.
Cultural Impact
Spanish Renaissance panel painting represents a rich tradition of religious art combining Gothic and Renaissance elements.
Why It Matters
This panel depicts two scenes from the legend of Saint Christopher with the luminous colors and detailed handling of Spanish Renaissance painting.
Related Artworks
Saint Christopher Taking Leave of the King Who Feared Satan; Saint Christopher and His Converts
Martin de Soria
Saint James Major
Grifo di Tancredi
Saint Paul and a Group of Worshippers
Daddi, Bernardo
![Saint Bernard and Saint Catherine of Alexandria with the Virgin of the Annunciation [right panel]](https://api.nga.gov/iiif/e6890364-4d99-4684-a62b-5060ee3c3446/full/400,/0/default.jpg)
Saint Bernard and Saint Catherine of Alexandria with the Virgin of the Annunciation [right panel]
Gaddi, Agnolo