Saint Bartholomew c. 1490 - 1500

This is an engraving of Saint Bartholomew by Master FVB, made sometime between 1475 and 1500. The work offers an idealised depiction of the saint draped in fabric, carrying a book and a knife. The engraving’s visual codes reflect a period of religious and social change. Master FVB worked in the German-speaking lands during the late fifteenth century, a time when the Catholic Church’s authority was being questioned and new forms of personal piety were emerging. Depictions of saints gained popularity as more and more people sought direct relationships with holy figures, bypassing the traditional structures of the Church. By studying prints like this, art historians can investigate the evolving relationship between religious institutions, artistic production, and individual faith during the late medieval and early Renaissance periods. Accessing historical texts, theological studies, and records of artistic patronage can provide insights into the intentions and cultural contexts that shaped this image.