Saint Remigius Replenishing the Barrel of Wine; (interior) Saint Remigius and the Burning Wheat 1500 - 1505

This oil on wood panel, currently residing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, depicts Saint Remigius in two scenes. It was made by an anonymous artist, sometime before the 16th century. At first glance, the painting presents a narrative of divine intervention, but look closer. Consider the era in which it was created, a time deeply entrenched in religious beliefs and hierarchies. The artist’s choice to depict Saint Remigius performing miracles underscores the power and authority vested in religious figures. The presence of a woman, possibly a servant, highlights the societal structure of the time, where women were often relegated to domestic roles. The question for us becomes, how might the artist be subtly commenting on the social dynamics of their time? It’s a painting that speaks to the intricate relationship between faith, power, and the everyday lives of those who lived under its influence.