Saint Christopher Meets Satan; Saint Christopher before the King of Lycia 1480 - 1485

Martin de Soria made this panel, Saint Christopher Meets Satan; Saint Christopher before the King of Lycia, sometime in the late 15th century. The artist employed tempera and gold leaf on a wood panel, traditional materials for the period. Looking closely, you'll notice how the tempera lends a matte finish, allowing the gold leaf to truly shine, drawing the eye to Christopher's halo and the royal embellishments. This wasn't just about aesthetics; the application of gold leaf was a highly skilled and laborious process, signifying wealth and status. Tempera, made from pigment mixed with egg yolk, creates a unique texture. Notice how de Soria used it to build up layers, adding depth to the figures’ drapery and the rocky landscape. This combination of materials and techniques was not merely decorative. It served to enhance the narrative power of the image, bringing the story of Saint Christopher to life for its intended audience. The labor intensive approach speaks to the value placed on religious iconography at the time, blurring the lines between artistic expression and devotional craft.