This painting is part of an altarpiece, the main panel of which depicts The Virgin and Child. This section shows Saint Philip; other parts of the altarpiece show Saints Peter, John the Evangelist and John the Baptist.
Philip became one of the Twelve Apostles after meeting Jesus through John the Baptist. He was the disciple who Jesus asked to gather food from the crowd before miraculously multiplying it. Philip is thought to have died a martyr's death by being stoned and crucified, and so is often pictured holding a cross.
Key facts
Artist
Artist dates
1460 - 1535
Full title
Saint Philip
Date made
1505
Medium and support
Oil on canvas
Dimensions
109.8 x 57.1 cm
Inscription summary
Signed; Dated and inscribed
Acquisition credit
Bought, 1859
Inventory number
NG629.3
Location in Gallery
Other paintings in the group: High Altarpiece, Oratory of S. Pietro in Vincoli
Painting
Lorenzo Costa
1505
Painting
Lorenzo Costa
1505
Painting
Lorenzo Costa
1505
