Heilige Gerard Sagredo 1605

This engraving, *Heilige Gerard Sagredo*, was created around 1605 by Raffaello Schiaminossi. Notice how Schiaminossi uses line to define form and texture, with a striking contrast between the densely hatched areas that create shadow and the sparser areas suggesting light. This interplay of light and dark not only models the figure but also imbues it with a sense of solemnity. The saint is depicted with an arrow piercing his chest, a symbol of his martyrdom, yet he holds a crozier, signifying his role as a bishop. The composition, while traditional, uses a series of horizontal lines in the background which create a sense of depth and space. The formal elements invite us to interpret how the artist uses visual language to convey religious narratives and ideological meanings. Note that the halo is not just a circle but is made up of tiny radiating lines, which shows light emanating from the saint, and which signifies not just holiness, but also a visual effect.