Martirio di S. Bartolomeo 1355

Giovanni da Milano painted ‘Martirio di S. Bartolomeo’, a depiction of Saint Bartholomew's martyrdom, with tempera on wood panel. Immediately striking is the stark contrast between the vibrant red of the saint's flayed skin and the gold background. This color choice, combined with the symmetrical composition, draws the eye directly to the brutal act. The symmetry of the image is unsettling. Bartholomew is centered on the cross with his arms mimicking Christ, drawing attention to the two figures equally spaced on either side who are pulling on the saint's skin. The gold background flattens the space, removing any sense of depth and focusing solely on the figures. This, combined with the lack of individual facial expression, strips the scene of humanity. This painting is not simply a religious depiction but an exploration of violence, belief, and the power of visual language to confront us with uncomfortable truths.