Roundel with Saint Christopher
Unknown Artist
ca. 1530
Medium
Colorless glass, silver stain, vitreous paint
Dimensions
Overall Diam.: 8 1/8 in. (20.6 cm)
Classification
Glass-Stained
Culture
South Netherlandish
Department
The Cloisters
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
The Cloisters Collection, 1932
Accession Number
32.24.57
Tags
Art Historical Context
This delicate roundel, created around 1530 in the South Netherlands, captures the beloved legend of Saint Christopher carrying the Christ Child across a river. As one of the most popular saints of the period, Christopher served as protector for travelers and those facing danger, making such images common in both churches and homes. The small circular format, just over eight inches in diameter, suggests it was likely designed for a window in a private chapel or civic building, where its clear message of faith could be easily viewed. Crafted from colorless glass with silver stain and vitreous p...