St Anthony of Padua holding the Christ child 1900 - 1910

This print of St. Anthony of Padua holding the Christ child is currently in the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was made by an anonymous artist. The anonymous artist has captured a sense of depth and texture, particularly in the saint's robes, using only lines. The hatching and cross-hatching build up a visual surface that feels almost tactile. I find myself drawn to the way the artist rendered the folds of St. Anthony's habit. Each line seems carefully placed, not just to define the shape of the fabric, but also to suggest its weight and the way it drapes around the body. It is a masterclass in using simple means to create a complex and engaging visual experience. Looking at this, I am reminded of the woodcuts of Albrecht Dürer. Like Dürer, this artist uses the graphic medium to create a rich and detailed image. It shows how artists across time, known and unknown, engage in a continuous conversation.