Dimensions: 5 15/16 x 4 1/16 in. (15.08 x 10.32 cm) (sheet)12 1/2 x 9 in. (31.75 x 22.86 cm) (mount)
Copyright: Public Domain
Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving of Saint Jude sometime around the late 16th century. Saint Jude was the patron saint of lost causes, and in this print, Goltzius encapsulates the complex religious and philosophical climate of the time. Made in the Netherlands, the image invites us to consider the cultural and religious tensions during the period of the Reformation. Jude's upward gaze and the ethereal imagery surrounding him create meaning through the visual codes of religious devotion. Engravings like this one served a didactic purpose. They would circulate among the literate members of the public, reinforcing doctrine while acting as devotional aids in private worship. The institutional history of the church is also relevant, as these images were often commissioned or endorsed by religious orders as a way to maintain influence and inspire faith. Understanding this artwork requires consulting historical texts, theological documents, and social histories of the period. This helps us to interpret the role of art in expressing and shaping cultural values.
Comments
The Dutch Mannerist Hendrik Goltzius was the leading printmaker of his time. A virtuoso engraver, innovative woodblock cutter, and superb draftsman, Goltzius continues to inspire awe with his wondrous technique and to convert even the most jaded art spectators to print enthusiasts. This print is from a series of fourteen engravings—"Christ, the Twelve Apostles, and Paul"—executed in 1589 when Goltzius was at the height of his powers. The series is a kind of demonstration piece displaying Goltzius's unrivaled technique and boundless imagination.
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