Saint Christopher crossing the river with Christ in the form of a putto on his shoulders and a hermit in the foreground 1495 - 1539

Marcantonio Raimondi made this engraving of Saint Christopher with Christ around 1515 in Italy. The image illustrates the popular medieval legend of Saint Christopher, who unknowingly carried the Christ Child across a river. The prevalence of this story in the early 16th century reflects a culture deeply invested in the idea of Christian pilgrimage and devotion. The image creates meaning through recognizable visual codes. The figure of Saint Christopher is depicted as a giant, emphasizing his physical strength, while the Christ Child is represented as a putto, a symbol of innocence and divinity. Raimondi’s engraving reflects the influence of the German artist Albrecht Dürer, whose prints were widely circulated and admired in Italy at the time. By studying prints like this one, we gain insight into the religious beliefs, artistic exchanges, and cultural values of Renaissance Europe. The art historian can examine religious texts, social histories, and the biographies of artists and patrons to better understand this artwork. Ultimately, its meaning is contingent on its historical and institutional context.