Paul from Christ, the Apostles and St. Paul 1472 - 1553

Lucas Cranach the Elder created this engraving, "Paul from Christ, the Apostles and St. Paul," in the early 16th century. The composition immediately strikes us with its stark contrast of black lines on a white background. Cranach's intricate use of line work defines the contours of St. Paul, rendering the texture of his beard and the folds of his robes with remarkable detail. Note how Paul is framed by decorative flourishes and text, yet he remains the focal point, standing firmly with a sword in one hand and a book in the other. This juxtaposition of the saint with symbols of both power and knowledge reflects the complex interplay between religious authority and secular influence during the Reformation. Cranach employs the semiotic weight of these objects to create a dialogue about the nature of belief and the role of the individual within the evolving religious landscape of the time. The formal structure of this engraving is not merely decorative; it is a framework for exploring the tensions and transformations of its era.