Risen Christ Between Saints Andrew and Longinus - Giovanni Antonio da Brescia

A detailed Renaissance engraving by Giovanni Antonio da Brescia, depicting the Risen Christ flanked by Saint Andrew and Saint Longinus.

This engraving by Giovanni Antonio da Brescia depicts the Risen Christ positioned centrally between Saint Andrew and Saint Longinus. The composition follows a traditional iconographic arrangement, placing the resurrected figure of Christ in the middle, flanked by two saints who hold attributes associated with their narratives. Saint Andrew is shown with the cross, while Saint Longinus, the Roman centurion, is depicted in armour with his spear.

Giovanni Antonio da Brescia was an active engraver during the Italian Renaissance, known for his technical skill in metalwork. His style often reflects the influence of Andrea Mantegna, particularly in the treatment of drapery and the anatomical definition of the figures. The cross-hatching technique used here creates a sense of volume and shadow, giving the figures a sculptural quality that is characteristic of the period. The background is kept relatively simple to ensure the focus remains on the three figures.

This print demonstrates the technical precision required in early sixteenth-century engraving. The artist uses fine lines to delineate the musculature of Christ and the intricate folds of the garments worn by the saints. The inclusion of the armour on Saint Longinus provides a contrast to the simpler robes of Saint Andrew, allowing the artist to display his ability to render different textures. The work is a clear example of the devotional prints produced for collectors and religious institutions during this era. It captures the solemnity of the subject matter through a balanced and symmetrical arrangement. The print remains a study in the application of line to define form and space within a two-dimensional medium, reflecting the artistic priorities of the Italian Renaissance.