Gregoriusmis 1455 - 1503

Israhel van Meckenem created this engraving, Gregoriusmis, sometime before his death in 1503. The print, now held in the Rijksmuseum, depicts the legend of Saint Gregory and the Mass of Saint Gregory. Made in Germany during the late medieval period, this image speaks to the religious and cultural climate of the time. The story of Saint Gregory emphasizes themes of piety and divine intervention which resonated in a society deeply rooted in Christian beliefs. Van Meckenem's choice to depict this particular narrative reflects the significance of religious iconography in the 15th century. Art historians have identified the engraving as an example of the ways in which art was used to propagate religious ideas. The print's dissemination through the print market served as a tool to spread the legend of Saint Gregory and to reinforce the doctrines of the Church. Scholars consult a variety of sources, from religious texts to market ephemera, to contextualize images like these.