Artwork
St. Paul
St. Paul 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. Created around 1578 by Dutch printmaker Hendrick Goltzius, this etching titled St.
About this work
Overview
Created around 1578 by Dutch printmaker Hendrick Goltzius, this etching titled St. Paul is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Executed as a print, it presents a densely populated urban setting populated by a variety of figures in motion.
Subject & Meaning
The composition depicts a tumultuous gathering of clothed and partially nude figures within a cityscape. Central to the scene is a tall man holding a scroll, while another figure raises his arms dramatically. Surrounding characters kneel, fight, or reach outward, conveying a range of emotions from fear to anger, suggesting a narrative of conflict or revelation.
Technique & Style
Goltzius employs a pronounced chiaroscuro effect, using stark contrasts between illuminated forms and deep shadows to separate the figures from the darkened background. The sharp linear rendering of architectural elements—buildings, a column, and a tower—enhances the sense of depth and drama characteristic of late‑Renaissance printmaking.
History & Provenance
The etching has remained in the public domain since its early circulation and is now housed in the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s European prints collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.
