Christ Between Saints Peter and Paul 1545 - 1619

This engraving of Christ Between Saints Peter and Paul was made by Hieronymus Wierix sometime between 1553 and 1619. Wierix was a member of a large family of engravers, printmakers, and publishers working in Antwerp during the Counter-Reformation. This small devotional image reflects the intense religious environment of its time. Christ is centered, radiating light, while Saint Peter holds the keys to heaven, and Saint Paul carries a book. The Latin inscriptions reinforce themes of divine authority. Consider the role of religious imagery during this period. The Catholic Church used art as a powerful tool to reaffirm its teachings and inspire faith amid the Protestant Reformation. This work and others like it were intended to strengthen religious identity and convey complex theological ideas to a wide audience. Engravings like this offered intimate, accessible ways for individuals to connect with religious figures and doctrines, shaping personal spiritual experiences.