St. Anthony

Engraving, post 1519, signed on plate with Dürer’s monogram and the date 1519.

Copy after Dürer’s engraving.

Magnificent proof, printed on contemporary laid paper, trimmed close to platemark, in excellent condition.

St Anthony the Great was a popular object of devotion. A learned hermit, he was believed to be able to alleviate a number of skin complaints, a series of which were described as ‘St Anthony’s fire’. Monks of the Order of St Anthony were a common sight in medieval times, and the bells they used to request alms became one of the saint’s attributes.

This small print shows St Anthony seated on the ground, stooping forwards to read a little book. His pilgrim’s hat lies to his left, and his symbols, a cross and a bell, are placed to his right. A looming landscape in the background echoes the saint’s pose.