St. Bartholomew the Apostle (Polyptych of the Romacle) * Antonio Marinoni (1474-1541)

The painting presents a male figure depicted within an oval frame adorned with intricate dark foliage and gilded accents. The subject is portrayed from the waist up, set against a gold background that radiates outward in a stylized halo pattern. He wears a deep red tunic beneath a voluminous white mantle draped across his shoulders.
The man’s face is characterized by a full beard and short, wavy hair of reddish-brown hue. His gaze is directed towards the viewer with an expression suggesting solemnity or perhaps gentle resignation. The artist has rendered the eyes with careful attention to detail, imparting a sense of depth and introspection. A prominent feature held in his left hand is a scroll, partially unfurled, which he gestures toward with a slight inclination of his head. In his right hand, he holds a long, slender knife or dagger, positioned vertically against his body. The blade appears sharp and well-defined.
The composition’s simplicity directs attention to the figures countenance and attributes. The red tunic could symbolize martyrdom or passion, while the scroll likely represents the dissemination of religious teachings or the recording of events. The presence of the knife is a significant detail, alluding to the manner in which this individual met his end – a brutal execution.
The gold background contributes to an aura of sanctity and divinity, typical of devotional imagery intended for private contemplation or public veneration. The overall effect is one of restrained emotion and dignified acceptance, conveying a sense of spiritual strength amidst suffering. The painting’s style suggests a provincial Italian workshop, likely from the late medieval period, characterized by its formal portraiture and symbolic representation.