Master of San Torpè
Egg tempera and gold leaf on wood
32.5 x 55.9 cm
Saint Julian is often depicted in rich garments and holding a fine sword. These refer to the traditional belief that he was a nobleman before devoting himself to the sick and needy. His sword, brooch and cross are highlighted with silver leaf (now darkened) and would originally have had a striking shimmering effect.
This painting is a fragment of an altarpiece from the Church of San Torpè in the Italian city of Pisa. It was positioned to the right of a central panel depicting the Virgin Mary and Christ Child, so that Saint Julian turns to face them.