Artwork

A Standing Apostle Holding a Book

A Standing Apostle Holding a Book, by Hans Süss von Kulmbach, ink, 1510
A Standing Apostle Holding a Book, by Hans Süss von Kulmbach, ink, 1510

A Standing Apostle Holding a Book is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Hans Süss von Kulmbach. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Hans Süss von Kulmbach’s drawing, titled *A Standing Apostle Holding a Book*, dates to around 1510. Executed with pen and black ink on laid paper, the image is subtly tinted with a light pink wash, giving the work a delicate tonal quality while preserving the clarity of the line work.

Technique & Style

The artist employed fine pen strokes to delineate the figure’s form, using black ink for definition and a faint pink wash to suggest volume and atmosphere. This combination of precise drawing and restrained coloration reflects the Northern Renaissance’s interest in detailed observation and subtle tonal modulation.

History & Provenance

Created in the early sixteenth century, the drawing is attributed to Süss von Kulmbach, a German painter and draftsman active in the Franconian region. Its provenance traces back to collections of early German Renaissance works, though specific ownership records prior to modern acquisition remain limited.

Artist & collection

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