Artwork
Saint Bonaventure Arriving and Preaching in Lyon
Saint Bonaventure Arriving and Preaching in Lyon is an ink print by the Renaissance artist French 15th Century. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Saint Bonaventure Arriving and Preaching in Lyon is a vibrant, hand-colored woodcut print. The composition is densely packed with multiple scenes, rendered in a palette of bright vermilion, orange-rose, gray-blue, and lavender against a light, patterned background.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts two key moments of Saint Bonaventure's activities in Lyon: his arrival (top, with a throne-like chair, angels, and a haloed woman with a baby, likely symbolizing divine approval) and his preaching (below, with the saint on a platform amidst a crowd). The imagery conveys the saint's spiritual authority and engagement with the community.
Technique & Style
Created using the woodcut technique, the print's sharp, detailed lines and flat, colored areas reflect the medium's characteristics. The hand-coloring adds a layer of expressiveness, with bright, contrasting hues contributing to the overall sense of energy and movement.
Context
As a woodcut, this work aligns with medieval and early Renaissance printmaking traditions, which often served religious and narrative purposes. The use of vivid hand-coloring was common in deluxe prints of the period, enhancing the image's devotional impact.
Legacy
While specific influence or direct descendants of this particular print are not detailed here, it contributes to the broader legacy of religious woodcuts in European art, illustrating the dissemination of saintly legends through early print media.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist hid their best work inside old travel trunks. They glued vivid woodcuts into the lids of wooden boxes meant to be carried on horseback, like secret postcards from God. If you’ve ever pried open a cracked lid…
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Saint Bonaventure Arriving and Preaching in Lyon