The Death of Saint Anthony, surrounded by saints on his deathbed
Original title: The Death of Saint Anthony, surrounded by saints on his deathbed
kurzbeschreibung
Unlike typical deathbed scenes that isolate the saint, this engraving by Peeter Clouwet from 1649 gathers Saint Anthony among a crowd of saints and monks. The black-and-white print uses precise lines and graded shading to craft a religious death portrait.
Description
On a simple bed lies the dying man, barefoot, with white hair and beard, dressed in a plain robe. Around him are several men, some standing, some kneeling, identifiable by their clothing and staffs as priests or monks. Some hold candles or staffs, others fold their hands or touch the dying man. A wall with a window through which light falls closes the space behind; the floor remains bare. The varied linework and shading bring out the texture of the garments and the features of the figures.
Context
The Flemish engraver Peeter Clouwet, active in Antwerp and Rome in the 17th century, made this print in 1649. According to Hollstein, it is the first of four states. As was common in printmaking at the time, a painting or drawing by another artist likely served as the model.
Impact
The careful linework and strong contrasts of the shading create a solemn, devotional mood. By showing the bystanders in grief and intercession, the print gains emotional depth and spiritual seriousness.
Technique
A copper plate was worked with a burin for this print; the lines and shadows come from varying stroke thickness and spacing, some cut, some etched. Then it was printed on paper, and the sheet was trimmed.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)