Artwork
Saint Martin
Saint Martin is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Israhel van Meckenem. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
This engraving, created around 1485 by Israhel van Meckenem, is a print on laid paper depicting a scene from the life of a saint. It is one of over 620 prints produced by the artist, a prolific German engraver and goldsmith active in the late 15th century.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows Saint Martin, a popular subject in 15th-century art, sharing his cloak with a needy person. The robed figure, identified as Saint Martin by his actions, cuts his cloak with a sword to clothe a shivering, half-naked individual on the ground.
Technique & Style
The engraving is characterized by sharp, precise lines and the use of cross-hatching to create shadows and texture, giving the monochrome figures a sense of solidity. The artist's use of layered, crisscrossed lines builds depth and visual interest in the scene.
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…
