Who painted St. John?

St. John was painted by Hendrik Goltzius in 1578.

Where can I see St. John?

St. John is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is St. John?

St. John is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

St. John

Hendrik Goltzius , 1578

St. John is a print by the Renaissance artist Hendrik Goltzius. It dates from 1578 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. St.

About this work

Overview

St. John is a print created by Hendrick Goltzius around 1578, now part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a tumultuous scene where a serene woman in flowing robes, holding a chalice, stands over a lifeless man. Surrounding figures exhibit shock and anger, while a burning building and prominent cross in the background add to the dramatic context. The woman's calm demeanor amidst chaos draws central focus.

Technique & Style

Goltzius employed sharp lines and strong contrasts to convey intense emotion and dynamic action within the scene. The use of chiaroscuro—a technique utilizing strong light and dark contrasts—heightens the dramatic effect, emphasizing the emotional depth of the characters and the overall turmoil.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1578, the print's history prior to its current residence at The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

While specific contextual details about the artwork's creation are scarce, the scene's elements suggest a biblical or religious narrative, common in 16th-century European art.

Legacy

The enduring presence of 'St. John' in a prominent museum collection indicates its continued relevance and study within the canon of Northern European printmaking of the late 16th century.

Artist & collection

Artist

Hendrik Goltzius

Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.