Saint Ursula and Her Maidens c. 1475 - 1480

This 15th-century engraving by Israhel van Meckenem depicts Saint Ursula and her eleven thousand maidens. The central figure is Saint Ursula, a young woman with a crown and a spear. She is surrounded by four of her maidens, who are reading books. Two angels with wings and elaborate drapery flank the central figure, their wings forming an arc above her head. This artwork is a prime example of the detailed and intricate style of Northern Renaissance art, a period known for its mastery of engravings. The visual emphasis on narrative detail, coupled with the use of fine lines and shading, exemplifies the artist’s keen understanding of the medium.