Artwork
Saint Christopher

Saint Christopher is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1480 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. This woodcut print, hand-colored in a vibrant palette, portrays a figure wading through shallow water, carrying a child on his shoulders.
About this work
Overview
This woodcut print, hand-colored in a vibrant palette, portrays a figure wading through shallow water, carrying a child on his shoulders. The composition exudes serenity against a blue sky and green landscape backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The depicted scene is identifiable as Saint Christopher, a Christian saint revered for transporting the Christ child across a river. The image symbolizes faith, protection, and devotion.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut with meticulous hand-coloring in multiple hues (including blues, red, orange, green, yellow, brown, and gold), the piece showcases a blend of printmaking technique and manual embellishment characteristic of Renaissance-era illustrative prints.
Context
Created in the style associated with the Renaissance, this work reflects the period's artistic and religious themes, likely intended for devotional or illustrative purposes.
Legacy
As a representation of Saint Christopher from its time, the print contributes to the visual legacy of the saint's depiction in art history, though its specific impact or influence is not distinctly noted beyond typical Renaissance religious art.
Artist & collection
Artist
This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.






![Studies for Six Figures (sheet from a model book) [recto], by German 15th Century](https://artifactworldgallery.com/img/german-15th-century--studies-for-six-figures-sheet-from-a-model-book-recto--4837429e0755bc3f-w320.webp)






