Les Festes du mois de Mai (May: The Ascension)
1603
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1603
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This engraving shows Jesus rising into bright clouds while twelve apostles gaze up. The print is small—just 19 by 13 centimeters—but the drama fills the page. Gaultier carved fine lines to create light and shadow, making the figures feel solid. Engravings like this were made by inking a metal plate and pressing paper onto it. Artists often used this method to copy paintings or spread religious scenes widely. The detailed robes show Gaultier’s skill with cross-hatching. See it in person at the National Gallery of Art, Washington.
