St. Paul 1514

Albrecht Durer made this drawing of St. Paul using pen and ink, sometime in the late 15th or early 16th century. This image exemplifies the period's renewed interest in classical forms, while also serving the religious function of representing a key figure in Christianity. Durer was working in Nuremberg, a hub of the Holy Roman Empire and a center of humanist scholarship during the Reformation. His artistic skill was fostered by the city's wealth and its printmaking industry. Paul is shown holding a book, a symbol of his epistles, and standing near a sword, representing his martyrdom. Note that Durer's skill lies in the rich texture and shading achieved through precise pen work. As historians, our understanding of this image is not just about its artistic qualities but how it fits into the religious, economic, and intellectual environment of its time. Investigating the social and institutional context allows us to gain a more comprehensive appreciation of Durer's artistic achievement.