St Peter's denial in the courtyard of the high priest 1480 - 1540

This is Hans Schäufelein’s depiction of St Peter’s denial in the courtyard of the high priest, an intricate work rendered in ink on paper. What is striking about this image is the quality of line, which is achieved by the artist through meticulous strokes of pen. The use of line is particularly effective in rendering the textures of garments, architectural details, and the expressions on the faces of the figures. The labor involved in creating such a detailed work would have been significant, requiring steady hands, patience, and considerable technical skill. The social context of printmaking at the time is also relevant; prints like this one were relatively accessible compared to paintings, meaning that they could disseminate religious narratives to a broader audience. Looking closely, we appreciate the level of artistry involved and its function within a specific cultural and economic context.