John 

Sebald Beham created this engraving titled "John," which dates back to the first half of the 16th century. Beham was a German artist working during the Reformation, a period defined by religious upheaval and the questioning of established authority. Beham presents a male figure who is haloed and holds a chalice from which a snake emerges. He is identified as Saint John, whose ability to overcome poison is symbolized by this imagery. The setting seems to depict the ruins of an ancient structure. The deliberate use of ruins as a setting has significance in the context of the Reformation. It reflects the breaking away from established religious traditions. Beham’s personal beliefs might have been shaped by the religious controversies of his time. This image isn't merely a depiction of a religious figure, it is a symbol of a changing world. This echoes the sentiments of an era where individuals were beginning to challenge traditional wisdom. This piece encourages us to question the narratives we inherit and consider how they shape our identities.