Saint Paul Shipwrecked on the Island of Malta
1634
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1634
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Saint Paul Shipwrecked on the Island of Malta is a 1634 ink by Willem Basse, a Baroque work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This etching depicts a dramatic scene of a shipwreck on the island of Malta, with Saint Paul as the central figure. The ship is shown in the foreground, broken and partially submerged in the water, while people are seen fleeing the wreckage and scrambling up the rocky shore. In the background, a group of people are gathered around Saint Paul, who is standing on the shore, possibly performing a miracle or offering aid to the survivors. The scene is set against a backdrop of trees and buildings, which adds depth and context to the narrative. The use of etching and engraving techniques creates a sense of texture and detail, drawing the viewer's attention to the intricate lines and shading. For more information on the artist behind this work, look up Basse, Willem.