St. Barbara with a Chalice and Host 1513

This is Hans Baldung’s pen and black ink drawing of Saint Barbara with a Chalice and Host. The composition centres on the saint, depicted in a moment of serene contemplation. The dominance of line work creates intricate patterns of light and shadow, adding depth to the figure's drapery. Baldung masterfully uses hatching and cross-hatching to model the figure and her garments. These graphic elements function as signs, illustrating the tactile qualities of cloth and flesh. The delicate handling of line suggests an interest in the expressive potential of drawing as a medium, reflecting a broader artistic concern with the power of images to convey complex ideas. Notice how the precise lines shape not only the form but also the spiritual presence of Saint Barbara. This drawing is a visual and cultural artifact, embodying the intersection of art and belief.