Artwork

The Vision of Saint Hubert

The Vision of Saint Hubert, by Balthasar Moncornet, ink, 1634
The Vision of Saint Hubert, by Balthasar Moncornet, ink, 1634

The Vision of Saint Hubert is an ink print by the Baroque artist Balthasar Moncornet. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Vision of Saint Hubert is an engraving created by Balthasar Moncornet in 1634. It is a representative work of the artist's skill in printmaking, a medium in which he was active alongside painting and tapestry design.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts Saint Hubert's vision during a hunt, where a deer with a glowing cross appears before him. The scene is set against a stormy sky framed by dark trees, emphasizing the dramatic nature of the event.

Technique & Style

Moncornet employed cross-hatching, a technique involving fine lines cut into metal, to achieve sharp shading and a dramatic glow in the scene. This method highlights the artist's technical proficiency in engraving.

History & Provenance

Created in 1634 by French artist Balthasar Moncornet, The Vision of Saint Hubert reflects the artist's engagement with religious themes and prominent figures of his time.

Artist & collection

Artist

Balthasar Moncornet

Balthasar Moncornet (1600, Rouen – 1668, Paris) was a French painter, engraver, and tapissier revered for his depictions of around 45 different prominent figures of the 17th century.

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