{"product_id":"saint-gregory-reading-theodorus-van-kessel","title":"Saint Gregory Reading - Theodorus van Kessel","description":"\u003cp\u003eA detailed seventeenth-century engraving by Theodorus van Kessel, depicting Saint Gregory in a moment of scholarly focus, based on a design by Peter Paul Rubens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis print by Theodorus van Kessel depicts Saint Gregory the Great in a moment of quiet contemplation. The composition is based on an invention by Peter Paul Rubens, reflecting the widespread practice of reproductive printmaking in the seventeenth century. Van Kessel, a Dutch engraver, employs a sophisticated range of line work to translate the painterly qualities of the original Rubens design into a monochrome medium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe saint is shown in a half-length pose, his head resting on his hand as he focuses on an open book. His expression is one of deep concentration, typical of the iconographic tradition surrounding the Church Fathers. The artist uses dense cross-hatching to create shadow and volume, particularly within the folds of the heavy ecclesiastical vestments. A notable detail is the circular medallion on the saint's garment, which contains a smaller, secondary scene, adding a layer of narrative complexity to the portrait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe background is composed of horizontal lines, which serve to push the figure forward and create a sense of atmospheric depth. The clarity of the engraving allows for the observation of texture, from the coarse hair of the saint's beard to the smooth surface of the pages. This work demonstrates the technical skill required to replicate the dramatic lighting and emotional weight characteristic of the Baroque period. It is a fine example of how printmakers disseminated the visual language of major masters to a wider audience, preserving the composition while adapting it to the specific constraints of the copper plate. The inscription at the base identifies the subject and acknowledges the original designer, maintaining the standard conventions of the era for such collaborative artistic efforts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-top:2rem;padding-top:1.5rem;border-top:1px solid #e5e5e5;\"\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"font-size:0.85rem;color:#888;font-weight:600;margin:0 0 0.75rem;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:0.05em;\"\u003eYou might also like\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:0.5rem;\"\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/herodias-with-the-head-of-saint-john-the-baptist-nicolas-bazin\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eHerodias with the Head of Saint John the Baptist by Nicolas Bazin\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/de\/products\/maria-met-opgeslagen-ogen-jean-boulanger\" style=\"display:inline-block;background:#f8f9fa;border:1px solid #e5e5e5;border-radius:20px;padding:0.35rem 0.85rem;font-size:0.8rem;color:#2a555a;font-weight:500;text-decoration:none !important;background-image:none !important;\"\u003eMaria met opgeslagen ogen by Jean Boulanger\u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Theodoor van Kessel","offers":[{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59115630330191,"sku":null,"price":37.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59115635474767,"sku":null,"price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Poster \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ -","offer_id":59115635507535,"sku":null,"price":55.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59115635540303,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59115635573071,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Small Square (30x30 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59115635605839,"sku":null,"price":59.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59115635638607,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59115635671375,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Medium Square (40x40 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59115635704143,"sku":null,"price":90.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Black frame","offer_id":59115635736911,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Wood frame","offer_id":59115635769679,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Fine Art Framed \/ Large Square (50x50 cm) \/ Dark wood frame","offer_id":59115635802447,"sku":null,"price":99.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0833\/9292\/1935\/files\/Saint-Gregory-Reading_Poster_CompositorV1_1791938962787.jpg?v=1791947560","url":"https:\/\/www.solisprints.co.uk\/de\/products\/saint-gregory-reading-theodorus-van-kessel","provider":"Solis Prints","version":"1.0","type":"link"}