Artwork
Saint Roch and Saint Sebastian
Saint Roch and Saint Sebastian is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hans Leonard Schäufelein. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1510, this woodcut by Hans Leonard Schäufelein presents a devotional scene featuring Saint Roch and Saint Sebastian. The composition places the two figures within a tranquil landscape, framed by distant mountains and an architectural element with an arched doorway, offering a balanced visual narrative typical of early 16th‑century religious prints.
Subject & Meaning
Saint Roch appears on the left, identifiable by his walking staff and modest cloak, symbols of his pilgrim status and charitable aid to plague victims. To his right, Saint Sebastian is shown in a flowing robe, holding a palm branch that denotes martyrdom. Their juxtaposition underscores themes of intercession and steadfast faith amid suffering.
Technique & Style
Executed as a woodcut, the image relies on fine incised lines to render texture and depth, especially in the foliage and drapery. Schäufelein’s handling of line work creates a delicate interplay of light and shadow, while the crisp outlines emphasize the figures against the softened background, reflecting the precision of German printmaking of the period.
History & Provenance
The print originates from the early Renaissance, a time when devotional imagery was widely disseminated through affordable prints. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the work is attributed to Schäufelein, a noted pupil of Albrecht Dürer, situating it within the broader network of German artists who popularized religious iconography for private devotion.
Artist & collection
