Saint Philip

Saint Philip by Albrecht Dürer is a remarkable example of Northern Renaissance engraving, created between 1523 and 1526. This period represents the culmination of Dürer’s technical mastery in the print medium. This work belongs to a series of influential prints depicting the apostles, which the artist executed late in his career. These pieces were intended not only as artistic achievements but also as accessible religious imagery during the pivotal era of the Reformation.

The composition portrays the Apostle Saint Philip as a contemplative, individualized figure, capturing both spiritual depth and human realism. Following traditional iconography used for saints, Philip is shown holding a long staff topped with a cross, one of his primary identifying symbols. In his other arm, he grasps a book, signifying his role as an evangelist spreading the Gospel. Dürer utilizes dense, precise linear patterns characteristic of his finest engravings to create deep tonal contrasts and texture in the drapery and the saint’s facial expression. The exceptional quality of these prints allowed for widespread distribution, cementing Dürer’s influence across Europe.

As an important historical print, Saint Philip demonstrates Dürer’s commitment to idealized yet individualized portraits of sacred figures. These powerful small-scale works were highly valued collector’s items in the sixteenth century. Given the work's age and historical significance, many excellent reproductions of these religious prints are available through public domain initiatives worldwide, allowing broad access to the master's work. This specific impression is housed within the renowned collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.