Artwork
Saint Mark
Saint Mark is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1541 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Saint Mark is a 1541 engraving by Sebald Beham, a German painter and printmaker of the 'Little Masters' group, known for intricate, small-scale prints.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a religious scene: a robed figure, identified as Saint Mark, kneels with a book, pointing upwards towards a hovering winged, haloed figure also holding a book, set amidst rocky terrain with a potted plant.
Technique & Style
Executed in black-and-white, the print showcases Beham's mastery of engraving, utilizing tiny parallel lines to achieve detailed textures and shadows, characteristic of his finely executed style.
History & Provenance
Created in 1541 by Sebald Beham in Frankfurt, this work represents his contribution to the post-Albrecht Dürer generation of German printmakers, with Beham's career spanning over 250 engravings, numerous woodcuts, and etchings.
Context
As a 'Little Master,' Beham's work, including *Saint Mark*, reflects the trend of small, meticulously crafted prints popular in 16th-century Germany, often focusing on religious themes.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of *Saint Mark* are not highlighted, Beham's overall body of work, including this engraving, contributes to the enduring influence of the 'Little Masters' on European printmaking traditions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.
