Saint John, book in right hand chalice in left, from "Piccoli Santi" (Small Saints) 1495 - 1532

"Saint John, book in right hand chalice in left" is an engraving by Marcantonio Raimondi, created during the Italian Renaissance. Religious imagery during this period was a powerful tool for cultural and social formation. Raimondi's work reflects a time when the Church’s influence permeated every aspect of life. The figure of Saint John, holding a book and a chalice with a serpent, speaks to the intertwined themes of knowledge, faith, and overcoming evil. John’s androgynous representation challenges traditional gender norms, presenting a figure whose power transcends conventional masculinity. The choice to depict John with a serpent in his chalice also hints at deeper, more subversive narratives, a direct challenge to the status quo. As we contemplate this image, let’s consider how it reflects the complex, and sometimes conflicting, spiritual and social currents of its time. The emotional power of this work lies in its delicate balance between reverence and rebellion.