Artwork

St. Ursula

St. Ursula, by Master MZ, 1502
St. Ursula, by Master MZ, 1502

St. Ursula is a print by the Renaissance artist Master MZ. It dates from 1502 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. St.

About this work

Overview

St. Ursula is a 1502 print by Master MZ, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art. The work depicts a solitary female figure set against a detailed landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, identified by regal and sacred attire, is likely St. Ursula, a Christian martyr. Her attributes—a book (symbolizing wisdom or scripture) and a spear (possibly alluding to her violent death)—reinforce her saintly and martyred status.

Technique & Style

While specific technical details of this print are not provided, its creation during the Renaissance (c. 1502) suggests adherence to stylistic principles of the time, such as attention to detail, realism, and possibly the use of woodcut or engraving techniques common during this period.

History & Provenance

Created in 1502 by Master MZ, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here. Master MZ, an artist of the Northern Renaissance, was active in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Context

Emerging from the Northern Renaissance, St. Ursula reflects the era's focus on detailed, often religious, subjects. The work would have been part of a broader cultural and artistic movement emphasizing religious devotion and the veneration of saints.

Legacy

The legacy of St. Ursula by Master MZ is not explicitly outlined in the provided information, though as part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, it contributes to the museum's holdings of early European prints, educating visitors about Northern Renaissance art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Master MZ

Artist

Master MZ

Master MZ (1477–1555) was an artist, born in Munich.

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