Skip to Content
Today Open today 11–8

  • Mon 11–5
  • Tue–Wed Closed
  • Thu 11–8
  • Fri–Sun 11–5
  • The first hour of every day, 10–11 a.m., is reserved for member-only viewing.

Saint Michael

A work made of engraving (niello) in black on tan laid paper.
CC0 Public Domain Designation

Image actions

  • A work made of engraving (niello) in black on tan laid paper.

Date:

n.d.

Artist:

Artist unknown
Florence, 15th/16th centuries

About this artwork

This tiny engraving may have been printed from a precious metal plate that was part of a larger decorative—possibly liturgical—object. The so-called niello print is thought to have originated in Italy and was made on a gold or silver plate engraved with a burin. The lines would be filled with niello, a thick black metal alloy that contrasted with the precious metals, and then nailed to a larger vessel. One or two proof impressions using ink and paper could be taken beforehand without damaging the engraving plate.

Status

Currently Off View

Department

Prints and Drawings

Title

Saint Michael

Place

Italy (Artist's nationality:)

Date  Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

1400–1599

Medium

Engraving (niello) in black on tan laid paper

Dimensions

4.5 × 4.5 cm (1 13/16 × 1 13/16 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of Bernard F. Rogers, Sr.

Reference Number

1935.132

IIIF Manifest  The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

Learn more.

https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/21354/manifest.json

Extended information about this artwork

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

Share

Sign up for our enewsletter to receive updates.
Learn more

Image actions

Share

Suggested Terms