Artwork
Saint Mark
Saint Mark is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean Honoré Fragonard. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Jean‑Honoré Fragonard’s 1764 etching titled Saint Mark presents a densely composed scene of conflict. Executed on laid paper, the print depicts a tumultuous clash of horsemen whose intertwined forms dominate the foreground, while a stormy sky and rugged terrain frame the action, creating a sense of urgency and drama.
Subject & Meaning
Although named after the evangelist, the image does not portray a traditional saintly narrative; instead it captures a chaotic battle, perhaps alluding to spiritual struggle or martyrdom. The tangled riders and aggressive motion suggest a confrontation between opposing forces, inviting contemplation of conflict within a religious context.
Technique & Style
Fragonard employed the etching process, incising the design directly into a copper plate with a needle to produce crisp, textured lines. The resulting marks are vigorous and uneven, conveying movement and tension. The use of swirling clouds and jagged ground enhances the dramatic atmosphere, characteristic of the artist’s energetic handling of line.
History & Provenance
Created in 1764, this work belongs to Fragonard’s early period, when he explored printmaking alongside his more celebrated paintings. The etching has been preserved on laid paper, a common support for 18th‑century prints, and is documented in several European collections, reflecting its continued scholarly interest.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Honoré Fragonard was born on 5 April 1732 in Grasse, the son of a glover, and moved with his family to Paris in 1738.
