Saint Barbara c. 1520

This oil painting, created around 1520 by Northern Renaissance painter Jean Bellegambe, depicts Saint Barbara, a Christian martyr, holding a book and leaning against a column. The figure is depicted in a detailed, almost photographic manner, a hallmark of Northern Renaissance painting, which was known for its precise detail and realism. This oil painting is a prime example of Northern Renaissance art, highlighting the detail and naturalism of the period, and exemplifies Jean Bellegambe’s skills as a painter, evident in the precise rendering of Saint Barbara's features, clothing, and surroundings.