Artwork
Saint Cornelius
Saint Cornelius is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1470 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Saint Cornelius is an engraving created by Israhel van Meckenem around 1470. As a prolific German printmaker and goldsmith, van Meckenem produced over 620 prints, significantly influencing early Northern European printmaking.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts Saint Cornelius, identifiable by his regalia and attributes: a crown adorned with small crosses, long flowing robes with intricate details, a tall slender cross with an attached decorated cup. These elements align with the prevalent Christian iconography of the era.
Technique & Style
The engraving showcases fine lines, textures, and cross-hatching techniques, achieving a sense of depth and realism. The detailed rendering of the subject’s attire, the cross, and the cup demonstrates van Meckenem’s mastery of engraving.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1470 by Israhel van Meckenem, the work is characteristic of his prolific output as the most productive fifteenth-century engraver, often reproducing existing designs to disseminate religious and other themes widely.
Context
Saint Cornelius reflects the religious focus prevalent in Northern European art of the late fifteenth century, where Christian subjects dominated printmaking, facilitating the widespread dissemination of religious imagery.
Legacy
As part of van Meckenem’s extensive oeuvre, Saint Cornelius contributes to the artist’s impact on the development of Northern European printmaking, though its individual significance lies more in its representation of the artist’s typical output rather than innovation.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Israhel van Meckenem (c. 1445 – 10 November 1503), also known as Israhel van Meckenem the Younger, was a German printmaker and goldsmith, perhaps of a Dutch family origin. He was the most prolific engraver of the…
