This is one of a pair of paintings probably made for an altarpiece. St Paul carries the sword with which he was beheaded. He also holds another symbol associated with him, a book.  

The gold background and the elaborate patterns on the haloes refer to the late Gothic style which was rich in detail and colour.  This is one of the artworks presented by the Liverpool Royal Institution. Liverpool’s economic development grew directly from Britain’s involvement with transatlantic slavery: the kidnapping, enslavement and forced migration of people from West Africa to the Americas and many to the Caribbean. Many members of the Royal Institution made their fortunes directly through the trade or indirectly through the wider economy. This wealth was largely how they were able to bring rare art and treasures, such as this, to the city.

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This is one of a pair of paintings probably made for an altarpiece. St Paul carries the sword with which he was beheaded. He also holds another symbol associated with him, a book. The gold background and the elaborate patterns on the haloes refer to the late Gothic style which was rich in detail and colour. This is one of the artworks presented by the Liverpool Royal Institution. Liverpool’s economic development grew directly from Britain’s involvement with transatlantic slavery: the kidnapping, enslavement and forced migration of people from West Africa to the Americas and many to the Caribbean. Many members of the Royal Institution made their fortunes directly through the trade or indirectly through the wider economy. This wealth was largely how they were able to bring rare art and treasures, such as this, to the city.

St. Paul

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