Saint Philip, book in his left hand, staff resting on his left arm, from "Piccoli Santi" (Small Saints) 1495 - 1532

This is Marcantonio Raimondi's "Saint Philip, book in his left hand, staff resting on his left arm, from "Piccoli Santi", a delicate engraving. The composition is strikingly vertical, mirroring the saint's upright stance and the staff he holds. Observe how Raimondi uses line and form to define Saint Philip's figure, set against the stark geometry of what appears to be a doorway. The texture created by the hatching lines adds depth, contrasting the smoothness of the saint's face with the rougher textures of his robes and beard. The book and staff act as semiotic markers, signifying knowledge and authority. Raimondi's work reflects the Renaissance interest in classical forms, yet it also engages with the era's religious and philosophical debates. The compact size of the engraving invites an intimate viewing experience, challenging our perception and reminding us that meaning is constructed through a careful interplay of form and content.