Saint Paul

Saint Paul is a seminal engraving created by the German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer in 1514. This striking printmaking work belongs to a critical period in Dürer’s career, coinciding with his celebrated series of "Master Engravings" executed between 1513 and 1514. The artist’s sophisticated handling of the burin defines the Northern European approach to graphic arts during the early 16th century. Dürer achieved extraordinary detail and textural variation through precise cross-hatching and controlled line work, demonstrating how the common act of print production could be elevated to fine art.

The subject, the Apostle Saint Paul, is rendered as a powerfully focused intellectual figure. The Apostle is shown holding a large sword, his traditional attribute, which symbolizes not just his eventual martyrdom but the "sword of the Spirit"—the power of the Word of God he preached. Dürer’s interpretation highlights Paul’s role as an evangelist and a profound theologian, rather than focusing solely on the drama of his conversion. The meticulous detail given to the saint’s aged face, deep wrinkles, and voluminous drapery anchors the figure in a weighty realism characteristic of the German Renaissance style.

Produced in the waning years of the High Renaissance, these prints were crucial for disseminating Dürer’s influential style and technical innovations across Europe. Today, this masterwork is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, reflecting its historical importance as a key example of early 16th-century printmaking. Due to its age and stature, high-quality images of this depiction of Saint Paul are commonly found in the public domain, allowing scholars and enthusiasts worldwide access to the meticulous craftsmanship Dürer achieved over five centuries ago.