Martin Schongaur was a German artist who was considered
one of the first masters of engraving. Engraving was an evolved form of woodcut
which is a form of relief sculpture that designs a two dimensional image with
texture and depth. Engraving is the same concept, but it's done on metal instead of wood. After engraving
the piece, ink is used to fill in the engraved areas, so there is color to help
define forms. This is the technique Martin used to design this piece. By
designing this image which transitioned effortlessly from smooth skin to rough
feathers, and exceptional textures on the demons, Martin expressed his
expertise in the field.
When the first automobiles hit the market, other
forms of transportation began to die. When cell phones came out, pagers died.
Prior to this piece, most artists only did wood engravings, and metal
engraving was a new technique. Thus, this piece represents the death of an
old technique. Also, the demons tearing and ripping at the saint are
essentially trying to kill him, and this is a reminder of the struggle of life.
Ultimately, life's aim is to kill. The only destination in life is death. For
these two reasons, this work has a clear relation to the subject of this
exhibition.
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