St. Christopher Lucas Van Leyden (1494-1533)

The engraving presents a figure engaged in a strenuous act of carrying a small child across water. The man is powerfully built, his musculature rendered with meticulous detail through dense cross-hatching that emphasizes both strength and strain. A thick beard obscures much of his face, leaving only the eyes visible – they convey an expression of solemnity or perhaps resignation rather than joy. He wears simple garments: a tunic, short trousers, and sandals, suggesting a rustic or itinerant lifestyle. A large sack hangs from his shoulder, hinting at a life of travel and potential hardship.
The child, positioned atop the man’s shoulder, is depicted as an infant, holding a small cross aloft. The childs posture appears relaxed and confident, contrasting sharply with the burdened figure below. He is enveloped in a halo, immediately signifying his divine nature.
The setting is defined by water, indicated through horizontal lines that ripple across the lower portion of the composition. A rocky outcrop rises from the water on the left side, while a distant landscape – characterized by layered hills and a cloudy sky – forms the backdrop. The use of parallel lines to depict the water creates a sense of movement and depth.
Beyond the literal depiction of carrying a child, the engraving operates on several symbolic levels. The act itself can be interpreted as an allegory for faith and sacrifice; the man willingly bears a heavy burden – both physical and metaphorical – for the sake of another. The water may represent baptism or a transition from one state to another. The contrast between the strong, weary figure and the serene child highlights themes of humility versus divinity, human effort versus divine grace.
The artist’s skillful use of light and shadow through hatching creates a dramatic effect, emphasizing the physicality of the scene and contributing to its overall solemnity. The composition is tightly focused, directing the viewers attention to the central figures and their interaction. The engraving conveys a sense of quiet devotion and profound responsibility, inviting contemplation on themes of faith, burden, and redemption.