Artwork
Saint James and the Magician Hermogenes
Saint James and the Magician Hermogenes is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Pieter van der Heyden. It dates from 1565 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Saint James and the Magician Hermogenes is a 1565 engraving on laid paper by Pieter van der Heyden, a Flemish printmaker known for reproducing works by prominent Flemish painters. This piece adapts an earlier design to depict a dramatic biblical confrontation.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving illustrates a chaotic religious scene: Saint James, robed and authoritative with staff, confronts a crowd of distressed individuals amidst a backdrop of surreal, fantastical elements, including distorted figures, strange creatures, and objects.
Technique & Style
Van der Heyden's engraving showcases dense, intricate composition, characteristic of his reproductive style. The small format is densely packed with dynamic, expressive lines and tones, achieving a sense of frenetic energy and visual overload.
History & Provenance
Created in 1565, the work is an adaptation of an earlier design, typical of van der Heyden's practice of engraving after Flemish painters. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
As a reproductive engraving, it reflects the 16th-century Flemish practice of disseminating paintings through print. The subject matter aligns with religious themes common in Flemish art of the period.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of this engraving are not provided, van der Heyden's contributions to Flemish printmaking and the dissemination of Flemish painting designs through engravings are notable.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pieter van der Heyden (c. 1530 - after March 1572) was a Flemish printmaker who is known for his reproductive engravings after works by leading Flemish painters and designers of the 16th century.
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