Artwork

Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas, by Sebald Beham, ink, 1525
Saint Nicholas, by Sebald Beham, ink, 1525

Saint Nicholas is an ink drawing 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

This drawing, Saint Nicholas, was created by Sebald Beham in 1525 using pen and black ink. It is a representative work of Beham, a prolific German artist known for his detailed prints.

Technique & Style

Beham's Saint Nicholas showcases his refined graphic style, characteristic of his small-scale engravings and prints. The work demonstrates a high level of detail, achieved through the use of pen and black ink.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing depicts Saint Nicholas, a religious figure, and falls within the religious genre. Beham's representation of the saint reflects his ability to convey meaningful subjects through his detailed and graphic style.

History & Provenance

Sebald Beham was born in Nuremberg and later worked in Frankfurt, producing thousands of woodcuts and engravings throughout his career. His work, including Saint Nicholas, is associated with the 'Little Masters,' a group of German artists known for their small-scale prints.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Sebald Beham

Artist

Sebald Beham

Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.