Artwork
Saint Paul
Saint Paul is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Master WZ. It dates from 1501 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1501, this engraved print portrays the apostle Paul as a bearded figure crowned with a halo.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1501, this engraved print portrays the apostle Paul as a bearded figure crowned with a halo. He is shown in a flowing robe, grasping a sword in his right hand, and stands upon a modest tuft of grass against a plain, light‑toned background. The work is attributed to the anonymous engraver known only as Master WZ.
Subject & Meaning
The depiction follows traditional iconography for Saint Paul, emphasizing his role as a missionary and martyr. The sword, a common attribute, alludes to both his martyrdom and the metaphorical ‘sword of the Spirit’ associated with his epistles. The halo signals sanctity, while the simple setting focuses attention on the saint’s spiritual authority rather than earthly surroundings.
Technique & Style
After printing, selective hand‑coloring was applied, accentuating the robe and the sword to bring the figure into clearer relief.
Executed with fine cross‑hatching, the engraving achieves a nuanced sense of volume and texture. After printing, selective hand‑coloring was applied, accentuating the robe and the sword to bring the figure into clearer relief. The combination of line work and modest coloration reflects the transitional aesthetics of early Renaissance printmaking, where artists explored depth within the constraints of the medium.
History & Provenance
The print bears the signature of Master WZ, an enigmatic figure active in the early sixteenth century whose oeuvre is known primarily through a handful of signed works. The piece entered the public domain through a series of private collections before being acquired by the museum in the early twentieth century, where it has been displayed as an example of early colored engraving.
Artist & collection
