Saint Barthelemy
Original title: Saint Barthelemy
kurzbeschreibung
Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, appears in a graphic work by Etienne Brion from 1726. Brion combined etching and engraving to present the saint in traditional clothing with a crown and a knife. The trimmed sheet measures 34.3 × 22.1 cm.
Description
The saint stands centrally, dressed in a long robe and wearing a crown. In his right hand he holds a knife, and his gaze is directed upward to the sky. Architectural elements and trees suggest a natural setting in the background. The layout is symmetrical, with the figure as the focal point and the sky opening above him. Diffuse light falls from above, emphasizing the saint; the palette remains in black and white.
Context
Etienne Brion made this print in 1726, during the late Baroque period, when religious printmaking was widespread in France. The representation of Saint Bartholomew follows the iconographic tradition that often shows him with a knife—according to legend, he was killed by beheading. Etching and engraving were commonly used at the time to reproduce religious motifs for a broad audience. The work was likely created as a devotional image or for liturgical purposes.
Impact
A calm and solemn arrangement draws the eye to the central saint. Light and dark areas alternate effectively, and the finely worked lines create an almost dramatic tension. Standing before the print, viewers are encouraged to adopt the saint's contemplative attitude.
Technique
Etching and engraving come together here, allowing delicate lines and precise details to emerge. The process produces strong contrasts of light and dark, typical of Baroque graphics. The trimmed state of the sheet suggests it was originally part of a larger context.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)