Saint Paul preaching in Athens, after Raphael
Original title: Saint Paul preaching in Athens, after Raphael
kurzbeschreibung
Paul the Apostle preaches the gospel in Athens in this engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi, made around 1517–20. A painting by Raphael served as the model, and the print is executed in the technique of engraving.
Description
Paul stands at the front with both arms raised, while a crowd of listeners gathers around him, some seated, some kneeling, their postures shifting from one figure to the next. Several hold scrolls, which suggests a contentious exchange among scholars. Behind them a round columned temple opens up, with a soldier inside who has drawn his sword; more figures appear at the left. Ancient and contemporary architectural forms merge, and the whole arrangement is ordered toward the central figure.
Context
Raimondi, an Italian engraver of the Renaissance, became known above all for his reproductive prints after Raphael. The Raphael painting that served as the model here has not survived, but the engraving preserves its invention. Prints of this kind carried Raphael's ideas across Europe and were much sought after by collectors.
Impact
A clear structure and precise rendering of figures and architecture shape the print. Evenly drawn lines and carefully graded shading give it a calm, dignified mood that suits a preaching scene.
Technique
For engraving, the lines were cut into a copper plate and then printed. With tightly spaced parallel hatching Raimondi worked out light and shadow, as was characteristic of his hand. The paper measures about 26.3 x 35.7 cm, a common format for reproductive prints of the period.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)