H. Johannes de evangelist c. 1596

Zacharias Dolendo made this engraving of Saint John the Evangelist in the late 16th or early 17th century. The image is created by cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing the plate onto paper. Engraving like this was a highly skilled, labor-intensive process. Each line represents a deliberate decision, and the density of the lines creates the illusion of light and shadow. Note the fine details, like the saint's curly hair, the folds of his robe, and the delicate rendering of the snake emerging from the chalice. The image would have been printed in multiples, allowing for wide circulation. This reflects the changing economy of the period, with skilled craftsmanship finding its place in a market for art. Paying attention to these material and social factors allows us to appreciate Dolendo's technical skill, and the place of images like this in the cultural and economic landscape of the time.