Saint Philip

Saint Philip by Albrecht Dürer is a profound example of the artist's late-career mastery of the engraving medium, executed between 1523 and 1526. This print belongs to a renowned series depicting the apostles, created during a pivotal moment in Northern European history when printed images served as powerful tools for religious and intellectual discourse spurred by the Reformation.

The figure of the saint is rendered with Dürer’s characteristic precision, utilizing fine cross-hatching to define volume and texture in the drapery and the aged face. Saint Philip stands in contemplation, heavily draped, holding the iconic symbols associated with his ministry and martyrdom. He bears a staff surmounted by a small cross, his traditional attribute. Furthermore, he is depicted holding a grouping of books, emphasizing his role as a learned figure and a missionary entrusted with disseminating the Gospels. Dürer’s prints were highly valued for their technical brilliance and expressive depth, making him one of the most influential figures in the history of graphic arts.

This significant work highlights Dürer’s shift towards simplified, monumental forms while maintaining the complex detail characteristic of German Renaissance art. Classified as a print, the original intended distribution facilitated a wide reach for Dürer’s religious subjects across Europe. Today, this masterwork is housed in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. High-quality reproductions of many of Dürer’s prints, including Saint Philip, are often made available through public domain initiatives, ensuring continued access for study and appreciation worldwide.