Heilige Antonius van Padua met lelie en hart 1500 - 1527

Marcantonio Raimondi created this engraving of Saint Anthony of Padua in the early 16th century, a period marked by religious devotion and artistic innovation. Raimondi, working in Italy, was at the forefront of the printmaking boom, which democratized art but also implicated it in new commercial dynamics. The print depicts Saint Anthony in his traditional Franciscan habit, holding a lily, symbolizing purity, and the Holy Book. Note the placement of a heart at the base of the pillar. These symbols locate Saint Anthony as a figure of love and scholarly devotion. This image reflects not only the religious fervor of the time but also the developing role of saints as accessible, humanized figures. Consider how Raimondi’s engraving participates in and reflects social issues during the Reformation. As a print, it would have circulated widely, influencing popular devotion and understanding of sainthood. It’s a portrayal intended to resonate with the faithful, shaping their spiritual identity and offering a model of piety. It’s a personal, portable piece of devotion.