St Bartholomew

Before you stands "St. Bartholomew," a captivating engraving created in 1592 by the talented Adriaen Collaert. This piece, measuring 27.7 centimeters wide and 41.8 centimeters high, resides in the Prints Department of the Royal Library of Belgium. The artwork masterfully depicts Saint Bartholomew, a central figure standing on a rocky outcropping against a dramatic, cloudy sky. nn Notice the saint's flowing robes and long hair and beard, details rendered with remarkable precision. In his hands, he holds both a knife – a poignant symbol of his martyrdom – and a book, likely representing the scriptures. A halo gently surrounds his head, confirming his holy status. The background, rendered in varying shades of gray, creates a sense of depth and movement, while a small group of figures in the distance provides scale and context. nn The monochromatic palette, using subtle gradations of black and gray, enhances the dramatic contrast between light and shadow, drawing your eye to the saint's form. The light source from above accentuates the texture of the landscape and the folds of his robes. The inscription at the bottom, "S BERTHOLOMEVS CREDO IN SPIRITVM SANCTVVM" ("St. Bartholomew, I believe in the Holy Spirit"), completes the powerful narrative of faith and sacrifice. This engraving is a beautiful example of religious art from the period, showcasing Collaert's skill in capturing both the spiritual essence and the physical details of his subject.