Peter from the Martyrdom of the Twelve Apostles 1472 - 1553

Lucas Cranach the Elder created this woodcut, *Peter from the Martyrdom of the Twelve Apostles,* using a block of wood and a sharp knife. The stark contrast between the cut and uncut surfaces gives this print its graphic power. Look closely, and you can see how Cranach carefully incised lines into the wood, working with the grain to define forms and textures. Notice the cross-hatching that builds up the shadows and the delicate lines that describe the figures’ clothing. The process of woodcut printing is labor-intensive, requiring both technical skill and artistic vision. Each impression is the result of careful hand-printing, underscoring the physicality of art-making at a time when printed images were becoming increasingly widespread and influential. This work connects the traditions of printmaking with those of the fine arts. By understanding the processes and materials behind this image, we can appreciate the skill and artistry of Cranach and challenge traditional distinctions between art and craft.