Petrus en Andreas 1455 - 1503

Israhel van Meckenem created this engraving, Petrus en Andreas, during the late 15th century, a period defined by the rise of humanism and shifting religious landscapes. Van Meckenem, a prolific printmaker in Germany, reflects in this piece the complex interplay between religious devotion and artistic expression. The figures of Saint Peter, holding his emblematic keys, and Saint Andrew, with the saltire cross, are rendered with a detailed realism that invites a personal connection. The choice of these two saints, both central to the early Christian church, speaks to the era's focus on foundational religious figures. The inscription at the bottom, "Credo in unum Deum," meaning "I believe in one God," reinforces the theme of unified faith. Van Meckenem does not dramatically depart from traditional iconography. Instead, he infuses the image with an emotional depth that reflects the personal piety of the time. The expressions on the saints’ faces suggest contemplation and a profound connection to their spiritual roles. This work serves as a testament to the enduring power of faith, rendered through the skilled hand of a master printmaker.