Saint Bartholomew

lucascranachtheelder

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pen drawing

mechanical pen drawing

print

pen illustration

pen sketch

pencil sketch

personal sketchbook

pen-ink sketch

pen work

sketchbook drawing

pencil art

This woodcut depicts Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, holding his own flayed skin. This gruesome detail refers to his martyrdom, as he was said to have been flayed alive by King Polymius. Created by the German Renaissance painter Lucas Cranach the Elder, this image is notable for its realistic portrayal of the saint's body and its dramatic use of light and shadow. The artwork was likely intended as a devotional piece for private worship.