Artwork
Saint Mark
Saint Mark is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jodocus Bickart. It dates from 1672 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jodocus Bickart’s 1672 mezzotint entitled *Saint Mark* presents a close‑up portrait of a bearded figure in a hooded robe. The image is rendered on laid paper, with a dark, unadorned background that isolates the subject and emphasizes the texture of his skin and clothing.
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts the evangelist Mark, traditionally shown as an older, scholarly man. The solemn expression and the modest attire suggest a contemplative, devotional purpose, inviting viewers to focus on the saint’s spiritual authority rather than narrative action.
Technique & Style
Bickart employs the mezzotint process, exploiting its capacity for subtle tonal gradations. Through careful shading, the artist creates a convincing three‑dimensionality on the face and drapery, while the stark contrast between light and shadow exemplifies the chiaroscuro approach popular among 17th‑century printmakers.
History & Provenance
Created in 1672, the print belongs to the late Baroque period when religious imagery was widely circulated in print form. While specific ownership records are scarce, the piece is documented in several European collections of early modern prints, reflecting its continued relevance to scholars of devotional art.
Artist & collection
