Heilige Franciscus Xaverius met crucifix 1623 - 1660

Pieter de Bailliu made this engraving of Saint Francis Xavier, with crucifix, sometime around the mid-17th century. The print is made using an intaglio process, where the image is incised into a metal plate, inked, and then pressed onto paper. The material qualities of the engraving, particularly its fine lines and tonal gradations, allow for a detailed rendering of Saint Francis Xavier's robes and facial expression. The linear nature of the engraving lends itself well to capturing the texture and weight of the fabric, as well as the subtle contours of the saint's face, while the limited tonal range creates a dramatic contrast between light and shadow, enhancing the overall sense of drama. The production of prints like these, which were relatively inexpensive, played a crucial role in disseminating images and ideas, but also depended on the skilled labor of artists like Bailliu. Appreciating the labor and material processes enriches our understanding of its cultural and social context.