Peter from the Martyrdom of the Twelve Apostles 1472 - 1553

Lucas Cranach the Elder's "Peter from the Martyrdom of the Twelve Apostles" is a woodcut print depicting the apostle Peter being crucified upside down. This scene is based on the biblical account of Peter's martyrdom. The dramatic portrayal of Peter's suffering and the surrounding figures, captured with meticulous detail, highlights the artist's mastery of this technique, widely used in the 16th century. Cranach's expressive style in this piece reflects the artistic trends of the German Renaissance, particularly the Northern Renaissance, which emphasized realism and detail in religious imagery. The use of the woodcut technique allowed for broad dissemination of religious narratives, making it accessible to a wider audience.