St. Martin

Martin Schongauer was among the first artists to work extensively in engraving to create series such as the one depicting the saints. Here, Schongauer portrayed Saint Martin as a handsome youth with curly hair, in the midst of dividing his fur-lined cloak to share with a beggar seated at his feet. According to the legend on the life of Saint Martin, after sharing his cloak with the man, Martin later discovered in a dream that he had actually shared his mantle with Christ. Soon after, Martin was baptized and became the Bishop of Tours.