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St. John the Evangelist

Technical Details
  • Title
    St. John the Evangelist
  • Author
    Giovanni Angelo Mirofoli (Maestro della Pala Sforzesca)
  • Year
    c. 1490 - 1
  • Dimensions
    cm 20,5 x 13
  • Room
    XI

The saint is identified by his book, pen and chalice, the latter alluding to the legend that he survived a poisoned beverage fed to him by the priest of Diana in Ephesus. The painting was originally part of a predella depicting the apostles. The palette and chiaroscuro are soft, the subtle light effects echoing the work of Foppa or Butinone. These characteristics, different from the style of Leonardo found in the Sforza Altarpiece, suggest that this picture was painted at a different moment in the artist’s career.

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