Saint James Major, book is his right hand, staff in his left facing right, from "Piccoli Santi" (Small Saints)
Original title: Saint James Major, book is his right hand, staff in his left facing right, from "Piccoli Santi" (Small Saints)
kurzbeschreibung
Unlike many saint images of its time, this engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi, made around 1500–27, focuses entirely on the solitary figure: James the Greater stands upright, wearing a mantle and cloak. A book rests in his right hand, while his left grasps a staff adorned with a sword and a bow. The sheet belongs to the series of the 'Piccoli Santi' (Small Saints).
Description
James appears within a half-open doorway, his gaze turned to the right. A cruciform halo rests above his head; a long mantle and a cloak envelop the figure, who is flanked by an angel's wing. The right hand holds a closed book, the left a staff with a sword and a bow. The layout remains simple and entirely centered on the figure; clear contours and fine lines define the execution.
Context
Raimondi, an Italian engraver of the Renaissance, is best known for his reproductive prints after designs by artists such as Raphael. The 'Piccoli Santi' series gathers small devotional images of saints, produced around 1500–27. Such prints circulated widely, served religious edification, and were also prized as collectibles. Raimondi's approach left a lasting mark on Italian printmaking.
Impact
The calm, clearly structured arrangement and precise linework give the saint a dignified presence. With almost all embellishment absent and only the figure and attributes mattering, the print feels collected and quiet. Despite its small format, the view gains depth and physical presence.
Technique
The sheet was made as an engraving: a burin was used to cut the lines into a copper plate, allowing very exact and fine detail. After the plate was inked, it was printed onto paper, yielding sharp, high-contrast results.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)