German school (XIX) - Saint Bishop in Gilded Background

Tempera on wood.
19th century
Neo - Gothic style
Germany

This is a 19th-century Neo-Gothic devotional painting of a saintly bishop-martyr, executed on a wooden panel and richly adorned with gold leaf in style ollowing that of the Bizantine icons era.

The saint is shown in a dignified, frontal pose, holding the palm of martyrdom and a bishop’s crosier—clear indicators of his dual role as both shepherd of the Church and a witness who suffered for the faith. His ornate vestments, including a detailed mitre and trimmed cope, highlight his high ecclesiastical status.

A remarkable feature of this icon is the saint’s face: finely painted with soft modeling, serene yet contemplative, full of quiet spiritual authority. The delicate brushwork and careful shading of the facial features stand in contrast to the stylized richness of the garment and gold background, drawing the viewer into a more intimate, personal connection with the holy figure. This quality suggests the hand of a skilled religious artist, likely trained in the academic schools of the period.

The intricate punchwork on the gold ground, paired with the stylized floor tiles and border, are hallmarks of Central European Neo-Gothic church art—most likely from southern Germany or Austria, where a Romantic revival of medieval religious styles thrived in the 19th century. This piece would have likely served as a private devotional panel or part of a side altar.


Condition

Good antique condition. The painting retains vibrant color and exceptional detail, particularly in the saint’s face. The gilded background shows natural craquelure and wear, mostly to the lower right. The panel is structurally stable, with minor scuffing along the edges and light wear to the reverse. No overpainting or restoration noted.

Professionally packed. Shipping price reasonable high due to large size for private courier with extra cushion and care when making the container.