Apostel Filippus met kruis 1517 - 1527

This is Marcantonio Raimondi’s engraving, "Apostle Philip with Cross," at the Rijksmuseum. The composition centres on the figure of Saint Philip, depicted with a cross, his emblematic attribute. Note how Raimondi uses line work to define form and texture. The background consists of fine, parallel lines that create a subtle contrast with the more textured rendering of the saint's robes and features. This technique directs the viewer's eye to the figure, set against a muted backdrop, giving it prominence. The cross and the book, held in the saint's hands, are not merely symbolic elements; they function as formal devices that structure the composition. Raimondi's engraving, through its formal qualities, not only represents Saint Philip but also reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns of the time. It invites us to interpret how the art of engraving, with its emphasis on line and form, challenges and enriches the viewers understanding.