Artwork

Saint Christopher

Saint Christopher, by German 15th Century, ink, 1480
Saint Christopher, by German 15th Century, ink, 1480

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

Portrait of German 15th Century

Artist

German 15th Century

This 15th-century German artist carved vivid religious scenes into metal and wood, then hand-painted them in bright, symbolic colors.

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