Artwork

St. Philippus

St. Philippus, by Hendrik Goltzius, 1578
St. Philippus, by Hendrik Goltzius, 1578

St. Philippus 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. Philippus is a print created by Hendrick Goltzius around 1578, currently part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a dramatic and violent scene of martyrdom, with a central figure being tortured on a rack amidst a group of distressed men, while a authoritative figure in the background holds a sword and shield, symbolizing power or divine judgment.

Technique & Style

Goltzius employed a detailed and realistic style, incorporating intricate textures and shading techniques, notably chiaroscuro, to create a sense of depth and heighten the emotional tension of the chaotic scene.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1578 by Hendrick Goltzius, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.

Context

The work reflects the artistic and thematic preoccupations of late 16th-century European art, where dramatic and emotionally charged scenes were common, often inspired by religious narratives.

Legacy

While specific influence or legacy of 'St. Philippus' is not outlined, it contributes to the broader understanding of Goltzius's contribution to the development of detailed, emotionally charged printmaking in the late Renaissance.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hendrik Goltzius

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.

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