Sacrifice to Priapus, the Large Plate 1499 - 1501

Jacopo de' Barbari's "Sacrifice to Priapus, the Large Plate," a masterful engraving dating back to 1499-1501, showcases the artist's skill in capturing the human form and creating a powerful, almost jarring narrative. The image depicts a group of figures surrounding a sacrifice to the Roman god of fertility, Priapus. The detailed composition, characterized by intricate drapery and strong lines, evokes a sense of both reverence and unease, capturing the complexities of religious rituals in the Renaissance era. This work, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, is a prime example of the artist's early style, blending classical influences with a distinctly Northern European aesthetic.