Saint Bartholomew - Albrecht Dürer

A detailed 1523 engraving by Albrecht Dürer depicting Saint Bartholomew with his traditional attributes, rendered with exceptional line work and tonal depth.

This engraving by Albrecht Dürer, dated 1523, depicts Saint Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles. The figure stands in a contrapposto stance, draped in heavy, voluminous robes that demonstrate Dürer's mastery of line and shadow. The artist uses dense cross-hatching to create depth within the folds of the fabric, providing a sense of weight and physical presence. Bartholomew is shown with his traditional attribute, the flaying knife, held in his left hand. A large book is tucked under his right arm, signifying his role as a preacher and bearer of the word. To his side, a gnarled tree trunk provides a vertical anchor for the composition, while a small tablet at the base bears Dürer's characteristic monogram and the date of production. The precision of the burin work is typical of Dürer's later period, where he achieved a high degree of tonal variation through the careful spacing and layering of lines. The saint's expression is solemn and contemplative, his gaze directed slightly away from the viewer. The background remains minimal, allowing the focus to remain entirely on the figure and the texture of his garments. This work is part of a series of engravings depicting the apostles, reflecting the artist's interest in human form and classical proportions during the final decade of his life. The print captures the technical rigour that defined the German Renaissance, showcasing a balance between anatomical accuracy and symbolic representation.