St Mark the Evangelist c. 1448 - 1451

Andrea Mantegna's "St. Mark the Evangelist" (c. 1448-1451) is a striking example of the Early Renaissance style. This portrait, housed in the Städel Museum, features the saint in a contemplative pose, his hand resting on his chin as he gazes directly at the viewer. The artist's precise detail and use of perspective give the work a sense of realism. The shallow depth of the window niche in which St. Mark is situated adds to this sense of immediacy, drawing the viewer into the scene. Mantegna's iconic depiction of the saint holding a book and a quill in his right hand, along with a lemon on the ledge, further emphasizes his connection to his writings.