Artwork
St. Thomas
St. Thomas is a print by the Renaissance artist Hendrick Goltzius. It dates from 1578 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. St.
- Accession no.
- 2019.180.6
About this work
Overview
St. Thomas is a print created by Hendrick Goltzius around 1578, now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts St. Thomas as the central figure, dynamically posed with a spear, symbolizing his martyrdom. The surrounding landscape, though partially obscured, contextualizes the saint within a natural setting.
Technique & Style
Goltzius employed chiaroscuro, achieving depth and volume through stark contrasts of light and dark, which heightens the dramatic and tense atmosphere, focusing attention on St. Thomas.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1578, the print's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.
Context
This work aligns with the broader Renaissance movement, characterized by a revival of classical influences and advanced artistic techniques, such as the expressive use of chiaroscuro.
Legacy
As a work by Goltzius, St. Thomas contributes to the artist's reputation for dynamic compositions and skilled use of light, influencing subsequent generations of printmakers and painters.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.
