Artwork

St. James the Great

St. James the Great, by Sebald Beham, 1546
St. James the Great, by Sebald Beham, 1546

St. James the Great is a print by the Renaissance artist Sebald Beham. It dates from 1546 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. St.

Accession no.
1987.116

About this work

Overview

St. James the Great is an engraving created by Hans Sebald Beham in 1546. It is a representative work of the artist, known for his detailed and precise prints.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a man, identified as St. James the Great, dressed in simple robes and holding a staff. The level of detail in the rendering of his attire and staff suggests a focus on realism and texture.

Technique & Style

The print showcases Beham's skill with engraving, featuring intricate folds in the robes and a nuanced play of light and shadow. The use of chiaroscuro creates strong contrasts between light and dark areas.

History & Provenance

Hans Sebald Beham was a German printmaker active in the 16th century, classified among the 'Little Masters' for his small, detailed works. St. James the Great is part of the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.

Saint James the Great
Saint James the Great, Sebald Beham

Artist & collection

Portrait of Sebald Beham

Artist

Sebald Beham

Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German painter and printmaker, mainly known for his very small engravings.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted St. James the Great?

St. James the Great was painted by Sebald Beham in 1546.

Where can I see St. James the Great?

St. James the Great is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is St. James the Great?

St. James the Great is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of St. James the Great?

Museum-quality prints of St. James the Great are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.