Apostle 

Albrecht Dürer captured this Apostle with delicate strokes of graphite around 1521-22, amidst the fervor of the Reformation. Dürer, who was deeply engaged with the religious and intellectual debates of his time, portrays the Apostle in simple robes, holding his cloak. This was a period of immense social and religious upheaval, when traditional representations of faith were being questioned. Dürer was sympathetic to the calls for church reform, yet remained committed to his artistic vision. The figure exudes a sense of thoughtful contemplation. Dürer masterfully uses light and shadow to convey the Apostle’s character, inviting us to consider the inner life of a man devoted to faith during this tumultuous epoch. The drawing maintains traditional representations, but at the same time reflects a changing world. As you stand before this drawing, consider the ways in which Dürer balances tradition with the winds of change, capturing the emotional and intellectual climate of his era.