Saint Francis Xavier with a divine light emanating towards him from the upper left, with a crucifix, mitre, and book on a table at left (ca. 1623–33)
Original title: Saint Francis Xavier with a divine light emanating towards him from the upper left, with a crucifix, mitre, and book on a table at left
kurzbeschreibung
Saint Francis Xavier appears here, struck by a ray of light from the upper left. Schelte Adams à Bolswert made this engraving between about 1623 and 1633. On a table at the left sit a crucifix, a mitre, and a book.
Description
Francis Xavier occupies the middle of the sheet, his arms crossed over his chest. His robe with a collar stands out brightly against the dark background. Divine light falls from the upper left and surrounds him. On a table to the left, a crucifix, a book, a mitre, and a bowl can be made out. Grey tones dominate the monochrome view, as was usual for Baroque imagery.
Context
The engraving was made in the first half of the 17th century, when devotion to Saint Francis Xavier increased markedly after his canonisation in 1622. Schelte Adams à Bolswert, a Dutch engraver, was known for his religious subjects. The print likely served as a devotional image for Catholic practice.
Impact
A solemn, contemplative mood emanates from the image. The contrast between dark ground and bright light draws the eye to the saint. His calm posture and clear contours give the view a dignified presence.
Technique
Lines were incised into a copper plate, a process that allows the finest details, especially in the facial features and the folds of the robe. Printing was done in black on paper, which explains the monochrome effect. The result is an engraving with precise linework and subtle tonal values.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)