Saint James Minor, from "Christ and the Apostles" 1543 - 1553

Andrea Schiavone created this print, Saint James Minor, from "Christ and the Apostles", sometime in the 16th century. The print participates in the visual culture of the Italian Renaissance, a period that saw a revival of classical ideals. Here, Schiavone depicts Saint James Minor, who is often associated with the tools of a fuller or craftsman. In the print Saint James is holding the square, an architectural tool. The lines of the print add a tangible weight to the figure who carries with him the weight of his faith, and perhaps even the expectations of his community. As we consider the history of the Italian Renaissance, we can look at how religious figures were represented and how art was used to convey religious narratives. We can also see how the identities of individuals within these narratives were shaped by cultural and societal expectations.