Art Institute of Chicago

Saint Christopher

Master M.Z.

Date

c. 1500

Medium

Engraving on ivory laid paper

Culture

Germany

Department

Prints and Drawings

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Master M. Z. often played with dramatic changes in scale. In this engraving, the abrupt contrasts emphasize the gigantic stature of Saint Christopher, the patron saint of travelers, who transports people to safety across a raging stream yet struggles with Christ, who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Dwarfed by the giant saint and his heavy burden, miniscule figures appear in the water, barely discernable at first glance. Two men fight behind Saint Christopher’s tree staff, while near his right leg, a mermaid frolics and a monk heads toward the entrance of a church.

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