St. Christopher Back: candelabra ornament

Before you stands "St. Christopher Back: candelabra ornament," a captivating painting created in 1538 by the Master of Messkirch. This remarkable piece, part of the Bavarian State Painting Collections, is quite tall—measuring 1.704 meters high and 0.404 meters wide. Notice the striking verticality of the composition, which emphasizes the imposing figure of Saint Christopher. The painting depicts the saint carrying the Christ Child across water, a powerful image of faith and strength. Observe the detail in the saint's muscular form, his beard, and the rich textures of his red robe over a lighter undergarment. The Christ Child, serene and calm, is nestled securely on his shoulders. The background landscape, rendered in muted greens and browns, provides a peaceful backdrop to this central scene. The overall color palette is warm and earthy, contributing to the painting's serene atmosphere. Take a moment to appreciate the ornate frame, with its gold and teal detailing and perhaps even decipher the Gothic script inscription—a detail that adds another layer of historical and artistic interest to this beautiful work.