Artwork
Saint Erasmus as Bishop
Saint Erasmus as Bishop is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Saint Erasmus as Bishop is a 1525 woodcut by Sebald Beham, a prolific German artist of the early 16th century known as one of the 'Little Masters'. This print exemplifies his characteristic output of intricate, small-scale works.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Saint Erasmus depicted as a bishop, aligns with Beham's frequent exploration of religious themes, particularly saints and biblical figures, in detailed miniature form.
Technique & Style
The woodcut features sharp lines, simple shapes, and a prominent figure set against a detailed background (trees, a castle on a hill). The style leverages the inherent qualities of woodcut printing, where carved designs are transferred to paper.
History & Provenance
Created in 1525, specific provenance details for this piece are not provided, though it is one of over 1,500 woodcuts in Beham's extensive oeuvre.
Context
Produced during the early 16th century, this work reflects the religious art themes common to its time, while its medium and style are characteristic of the 'Little Masters', known for their small, intricate prints.
Legacy
As part of Beham's vast body of work, *Saint Erasmus as Bishop* contributes to the broader legacy of the 'Little Masters' in the development of woodcut printing and small-scale religious art in early 16th-century Germany.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
![Saint Agnes [verso], by German 15th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/german-15th-century--saint-agnes-verso--eb41977e5e7551cd-w320.webp)
