Saint Bartholomew
1589
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
1589
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
This image shows a man with curly hair and a beard, sitting with his legs bent and arms resting on his knees. He’s wearing a draped cloth over his shoulders, and his head is turned slightly to the side. The background is dark and textured, with a few faint shapes that look like clouds or a curtain. The Latin text at the bottom reads *"Ascendit ad cœlos, sedet ad dexteram Dei Patris omnipotentis"*—which means he’s a religious figure. The artist used fine lines to create shadows and depth, making the skin and fabric look almost three-dimensional. This is an example of engraving, a technique where artists etch designs into metal plates.