Death of Saint Benedict

About this work

This engraving shows a crowded scene with a group of people gathered around a dying man on a bed. Skeletons and ghostly figures hover above, while others below react with sorrow or prayer. The room feels dark and heavy, with swirling clouds and eerie light spilling in. Notice how the artist uses tiny lines to build up shadows—this isn’t paint, but etched metal. The mix of living and skeletal figures creates a tense, dramatic mood. Check out engraving to see how artists like this carved detailed scenes into metal plates.