Heilige Jakobus de Mindere 1606 - 1607

This is Raffaello Schiaminossi’s "Heilige Jakobus de Mindere", made around the late 16th or early 17th century. The print captivates us with its meticulous detail and stark contrasts. Schiaminossi masterfully uses line and shadow to define the figure of St. James. Notice how the upward gaze and the halo create a vertical emphasis, drawing our eyes heavenward. The cross held by St. James serves as a symbolic anchor, firmly grounding the figure within the composition. The varying textures, achieved through careful engraving, add depth and dimension. The formal structure of this piece echoes the religious devotion of the time, yet it also subtly engages with humanist ideals through its detailed portrayal of human anatomy and emotion. Schiaminossi’s print invites us to consider how artistic form and religious content can intertwine. It encourages an ongoing dialogue between faith, art, and the viewer’s interpretation.