The Ox of St. Luke 1470 - 1491

Martin Schongauer created The Ox of St. Luke using the medium of engraving on copper. The intricate linework defines the ox's form, imbuing the sacred symbol with a tangible presence. Schongauer's skill with the burin allowed him to incise fine lines into the copper plate, demonstrating a mastery of a process dependent on the strength of the hand. Every mark, from the texture of the ox's hide to the feathers of its wings, bears the imprint of the artist's labor and meticulous attention to detail. Engraving, unlike painting or sculpture, is a reproductive medium, and was at this time directly responsive to the rise of a market in luxury goods. Schongauer’s ability to translate religious iconography into accessible prints expanded art's reach beyond the church, connecting with a wider audience and anticipating the democratization of images through printmaking. Ultimately, Schongauer's print invites us to consider the relationship between artistic skill, material, and the evolving dynamics of art production in the late 15th century.