Bilder Abraham Bosse (1602–1676) – Saint John the Hermit – Engraving (1630–1650)

Beskrivning

This engraving depicts the hermit Saint John in a moment of intense spiritual devotion, kneeling before a crucifix amidst a rocky and mountainous landscape. He is surrounded by several grotesque demonic figures that represent the temptations and spiritual trials he faces in the wilderness. In the background, a sprawling city is visible in the valley below, creating a visual contrast between the worldly life he has abandoned and the solitary, rugged environment of his ascetic path. An open book rests on the ground beside him, signifying his life of prayer and study. This illustration served as a devotional print intended to provide a visual meditation on the virtues of steadfast faith and the victory of the spirit over earthly and supernatural distractions within the hagiographic tradition.

Abraham Bosse was a celebrated French artist, printmaker, and theoretician who became one of the most significant figures in seventeenth-century graphic arts. He was particularly known for his meticulous depictions of contemporary life, fashion, and professions, as well as his technical mastery of etching and engraving. Bosse was a professor at the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture and published influential treatises on perspective and the art of engraving. His work is noted for its high level of detail, clarity of line, and the ability to capture complex social and architectural environments with mathematical precision. His vast body of work remains a primary visual source for the cultural and social history of the French Baroque period.

Artist or Maker: Abraham Bosse .

Dimensions: Approximately 23 cm x 29 cm .

Medium: Engraving .

Date: 1630–1650

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.