The Penance of Saint John Chrisostom
Original title: The Penance of Saint John Chrisostom
kurzbeschreibung
Dating from 1509, this engraving by Lucas Cranach the Elder takes as its subject the legend of the penance of Saint John Chrysostom. The saint lies naked and barefoot in a richly detailed landscape, with animals around him, and touches a child.
Description
Stretched out on the ground, the saint rests unclothed and without shoes, while his hand gently touches a child. A stag stands to the left, and elsewhere in the image a rooster and another stag appear. Trees, rocks, bushes, and plants fill the landscape, conveying a peaceful impression. Even light falls across the view, highlighting the outlines of the figures and their surroundings.
Context
This print was made in 1509, when Lucas Cranach the Elder was working as court painter in Wittenberg. The penance of Saint John Chrysostom stems from a medieval legend that circulated widely in the sixteenth century. Cranach, a contemporary of Martin Luther, often combined religious themes with close observation of nature in his work.
Impact
The calm landscape and precise linework give the sheet a contemplative and peaceful air. The saint's nakedness and his closeness to the animals create a mood of humility and connection with nature that invites reflection.
Technique
For this engraving, the image is incised into a copper plate and then printed. The varied lines and shading demonstrate Cranach's skill in rendering surfaces and light. The sheet measures 25.7 × 19.8 cm and is among the artist's early printmaking works.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)