Artwork

Salvatoris Beatae Mariae Virginis Sanctorum Apostolorum Icones

Salvatoris Beatae Mariae Virginis Sanctorum Apostolorum Icones is a print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

It depicts a solitary, bearded figure in robes, gesturing upward with one hand while grasping a circular emblem bearing a cross in the other.

Jacques Callot’s print titled *Salvatoris Beatae Mariae Virginis Sanctorum Apostolorum Icones*—also known as *The Large Apostles: The Savior*—dates from around 1631. Executed as a black‑and‑white engraving, the work is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection. It depicts a solitary, bearded figure in robes, gesturing upward with one hand while grasping a circular emblem bearing a cross in the other.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure represents the Savior, identified by the cruciform disc he holds, a traditional symbol of Christ’s redemption. The upward pointing finger suggests a divine proclamation or invitation to the heavens, while the surrounding miniature scenes of figures near a cross on a hillside hint at the Passion narrative and the broader context of apostolic testimony.

Technique & Style

Callot employs pronounced chiaroscuro, using deep shadows and stark highlights to isolate the figure from a minimal background. The contrast between the dense black of the robe and the illuminated edges creates a dramatic focal point, a hallmark of early 17th‑century printmaking that emphasizes volume and spiritual intensity.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1631, the print reflects Callot’s mature period in which he explored religious iconography alongside his more famous series of war and genre scenes. The work entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it remains a representative example of French Baroque engraving.