Saint Peter c. 1490 - 1503

Israhel van Meckenem made this engraving of Saint Peter in the 15th century, a period marked by religious devotion and burgeoning print culture. Van Meckenem, a prolific engraver, straddled the line between artisan and artist, reproducing popular images for a growing audience. Saint Peter, holding his symbolic keys, is depicted with a solemn authority. The keys themselves signify Peter's role as the gatekeeper of Heaven, a powerful image in a society deeply concerned with salvation. Consider the emotional weight this image would have carried. Van Meckenem’s choice to create prints made religious imagery more accessible, challenging the Church’s monopoly on spiritual representation. The detailed lines of the engraving invite us to consider the textures of Peter’s robes and the weight of his office. This image is not just a depiction of a saint; it’s a reflection of a changing world where faith was both deeply personal and increasingly public.