Jacopo di Antonio (Master of Pratovecchio) – Saint John the Evangelist – Altarpiece Pinnacle (right) Part 4 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a solitary figure set against a dark, uniform background. The individual is depicted in a three-quarter pose, angled slightly towards the viewers left. He appears to be engaged in prayer or contemplation, his hands clasped before him at chest level. A halo encircles his head, signifying sanctity and divine connection.
The artist has rendered the figure with a focus on drapery. The clothing consists of a blue undergarment visible at the neck and sleeves, layered beneath a flowing, terracotta-colored cloak that drapes around the body in complex folds. These folds create a sense of volume and movement, despite the static posture. The treatment of light suggests an internal illumination rather than external source; it highlights the contours of the face and the texture of the fabric.
The facial features are characterized by a certain austerity. A prominent nose, deeply set eyes, and a somewhat melancholic expression contribute to a sense of introspection and spiritual depth. The hair is rendered in short, wavy strands, framing the face and adding to the overall impression of earnestness. Bare feet protrude from beneath the cloak, emphasizing humility and vulnerability.
The dark background serves to isolate the figure, drawing attention to his form and emotional state. It also creates a sense of solemnity and reverence appropriate for a religious subject. The gilded frame, with its pointed arch, further elevates the image, suggesting its intended placement within an architectural setting – likely as part of a larger devotional structure.
Subtly, there is a suggestion of suffering or endurance in the figure’s expression and posture. This could allude to the trials faced by the saint, particularly his exile on Patmos where he wrote the Book of Revelation. The overall effect is one of quiet devotion and spiritual resilience.