Spanish school of the early 16th century. "Saint... Lot 24

Spanish school of the early 16th century. "Saint John. Painting on panel. It presents some faults in the pictorial layer. Measurements: 38 x 26 cm. Saint John is writing the Gospels under the auspices of an eagle, the animal that always accompanies and identifies him in the bosom of the tetramorphos. The Apostle Evangelist wears a silky emerald robe and a cloak trimmed with gold brocade. Despite the advanced nature of the period, stylistically this devotional painting is still anchored to late Gothic or pre-Renaissance postulates, as can be seen in the pre-eminence of the line and the gilded background on which the figure is set, which has been decorated with damask patterns. The smooth qualities are the result of an excellent use of colour in which the carmine contrasts with the gold. The countenance, however, has been resolved with fresh flesh tones, and is closer to Renaissance portraits. The saint's name is written in Latin at the top. John is represented by an eagle looking towards the sun because his Gospel opens with the contemplation of the Jesus-God. John's Gospel was the last to appear. It was written by John's disciples. One of the characteristics of the Jesus of John's gospel is that the Master knows each of us better than we know ourselves.