St. Christopher (Schr. 2839m) 15th century

This is an anonymous print of St. Christopher, made with metalcut on paper, found here at the Met. Observe how the artist uses densely packed lines and varied textures to define the figure of St. Christopher amidst a rugged landscape. The composition emphasizes a tension between form and ground. Notice the restricted palette of browns and blacks which gives a sense of antiquity, while the textured surface seems to mimic the rough, uneven terrain. We can consider how the very materiality of the print—the rough texture and the stark contrast—contributes to its meaning. The artist employs these visual elements to highlight the physical burden of St. Christopher's legendary act: carrying the Christ Child across a river. This piece destabilizes any established meanings, prompting a deeper consideration of material, form, and their capacity to convey complex ideas. The print challenges us to look beyond the narrative and to see how the formal qualities of the artwork engage with broader cultural and philosophical concerns about the relationship between materiality, representation, and meaning.