De heilige Florian als krijger met zegepalm c. 1760

This etching by Johann Beheim, made around the mid-18th century, captures Saint Florian as both warrior and protector. The composition is built around a dramatic contrast of light and shadow, typical of the Baroque period. Note how the sharp lines define the musculature and armour of Florian, lending him a heroic, almost theatrical presence. The structural arrangement places the saint high above the scene, dominating the chaotic space below with fallen figures and cascading water, which symbolically cleanses and saves. This creates a powerful visual hierarchy, reinforcing his role as a savior. The etching technique itself—the meticulous layering of lines—contributes to a sense of depth and texture. Notice how the linear precision and controlled tonal range is not merely decorative; rather, it articulates power, salvation, and the triumph of order over chaos. The very act of etching, with its deliberate mark-making, mirrors the saint's decisive intervention.