Saint Jude (or Saint Matthias) 1595 - 1616

Jacques Bellange made this print of Saint Jude, or Saint Matthias, around the early 17th century. It was achieved through etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production at the time. The method involves coating a metal plate with wax, then drawing through it with a needle to expose the metal. Immersing the plate in acid etches the lines, and then ink is applied and the plate pressed onto paper. Notice how the incisive, confident lines define the saint’s drapery and bring a sculptural quality to the figure, with its striking contrasts of light and shadow. Printmaking in this era was a significant industry, employing skilled artisans. Bellange's embrace of etching reflects a broader shift towards more accessible modes of production, aligning artistic practice with the burgeoning capitalist economy and the availability of inexpensive materials. This piece invites us to consider how materials, making, and context intersect to shape our understanding of art.