Bishop Julian’s Finding of the True Child c. 1390

Martino di Bartolomeo’s *Bishop Julian’s Finding of the True Child* (c. 1390), currently located in the Städel Museum, depicts a scene from the life of Saint Julian, an early Christian bishop. The artwork focuses on a moment when Julian discovers a dead child, a deer, and a devil flying in the sky, symbolizing the corruption of the world. This scene is framed against a backdrop of buildings with a golden sky, highlighting the contrast between worldly vices and spiritual virtue. The artist's depiction of the characters and setting, along with the use of color and light, creates a captivating narrative that would have been easily understood by a medieval audience. The painting’s small dimensions – 75.1 x 58.4 x 2.0 cm – are consistent with the style of devotional works of the time, highlighting its intended purpose for personal contemplation.