Biblical landscape painting by the Swiss artist Konrad Witz. Witz lived in the first half of the 15th century and this painting is an important one for a number of reasons. Many art scholars believe that Witz was the finest painter of water and Saint Christopher is the most often cited painting to support that claim. The water ripples away from Saint Christopher in concentric circles but those circles break up, as they would in nature, as they reach the shore. The water is both reflective and dark, yet offers a source of light in the background.
The allegory of Saint Christopher bearing Jesus as he makes what appears to be a strenuous crossing through the waters. With a decidedly medieval feel, this Witz painting, shows through Witz’s innovative treatment of the water, that the artists of this period are bringing the world to the Renaissance.
To learn more about Witz and see more of his known works, please visit our Konrad Witz biography.