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St. John with Serpent in Chalice

c. 1480–1500
(German, c. 1440–1503)
(German, c. 1465–1524)
Germany, 15th century
engraving
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland 1925.991
Catalogue raisonné: Lehrs IX.241.286
State: only state
Location: not on view
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Description

According to legend, John the Evangelist was given a cup of poisoned wine that he drank without harm. As emblems of the tale, John’s chalice symbolizes the Christian faith prevailing over death, signified by the serpent. As a print, Meckenem's representation of Saint John like a sculpture in an architectural niche made it possible for more people to personally own a religious image that they might otherwise only have seen at a church.
St. John with Serpent in Chalice

St. John with Serpent in Chalice

c. 1480–1500

Israhel van Meckenem, Hans Holbein

(German, c. 1440–1503), (German, c. 1465–1524)
Germany, 15th century

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