Saint Peter

The artwork Saint Peter by Albrecht Dürer is a significant example of early modern German printmaking, executed as a highly detailed woodcut. Dating from the expansive period between 1485 and 1528, this piece demonstrates Dürer’s foundational role in elevating graphic art to the status of high art. The technical mastery required for this scale of woodcut highlights why Dürer became one of the most influential artists of the Northern Renaissance, effectively synthesizing Italian Renaissance ideals with robust German realism.

The subject is the Apostle Saint Peter, traditionally recognizable by his depiction as an elderly man and, often, holding the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. This particular woodcut allows Dürer to showcase the texture and weight of the robes while emphasizing the gravity of the figure's expression, a portrayal reflecting the era's renewed focus on naturalistic yet powerful religious iconography. While the exact series this print belongs to may vary depending on scholarly classification, it aligns with Dürer's broader efforts to disseminate detailed devotional images widely across Europe through the affordable medium of the print.

This exceptional example of Northern Renaissance graphic art is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, where it serves as a key reference for the study of 15th and 16th century prints. Because of the age of the original block and Dürer’s immense renown, high-quality images and reproductions of the work are frequently available for study and download through public domain access, ensuring the ongoing legacy of this master woodcut artist.