Saint Luke Painting the Virgin

Art Historical Context

In the early 16th century, artist Hans Burgkma created *Saint Luke Painting the Virgin a delicate woodcut from 150 that captures a revered Renaissance motif. Saint Luke, the patron saint of artists, is shown at work portraying the Madonna and Child, often accompanied by angels in this intimate scene. This subject draws from medieval legends claiming Luke painted the Virgin from life, symbol the divine origins of sacred imagery and the artist's noble calling. Printed on a modest sheet measuring just 8 13/16 x 6 3/16 inches, the woodcut exemplifies Northern Renaissance printmaking techniques. B...

About the Artist

Hans Burgkmair · 1473–1531

Hans Burgkmair the Elder (1473–1531) was a German painter and printmaker who became one of the leading artists of the Renaissance in Augsburg. Born into a family of painters — his father, Thoman Burgkmair, was a respected artist — he likely received his initial training in his father's workshop. He may also have studied with Martin Schongauer in Colmar, and a probable visit to Italy around 1507 ex...