Artwork

Saint Luke

Saint Luke, by Lucas Cranach the Younger, ink, 1550
Saint Luke, by Lucas Cranach the Younger, ink, 1550

Saint Luke is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Younger. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Saint Luke is a woodcut print created by Lucas Cranach the Younger in 1550.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Saint Luke, patron saint of artists, hunched over a table, sketching or painting a portrait of the Virgin Mary. A spiral shell and a framed picture on a brick wall behind him add to the scene's symbolism and context.

Technique & Style

The artist achieved a high level of detail using the woodcut technique, characterized by sharp lines that capture the folds of the saint's robe and the texture of his hair and beard.

Artist & collection

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