Heilige Stephanus 1516 - 1518

Claus Seman created this woodcut of Saint Stephen in 1517. It’s an image of a martyred saint, but also one that operates within specific social and institutional frameworks. Made in Germany during the early Reformation, it shows Stephen in regal garb with a halo. Consider how this idealizes a religious figure, potentially reinforcing the Church’s authority. The coat of arms to the right, probably of a noble family, subtly merges religious imagery with secular power. This hints at the close relationship between religious institutions and the ruling elite of the time. The print medium itself tells a story. Woodcuts were relatively affordable and widespread. Images such as this disseminated religious and social ideals to a broad audience. Understanding this image requires looking into the economic structures that enabled its production and circulation, and the religious and political contexts it addresses. The resources in the museum's library and archives will help you to see how such images both reflected and shaped the beliefs of their time.