St James Minor, from Apostles n.d.

Martin Schongauer created this engraving, St James Minor, from the series Apostles. Schongauer’s prints circulated widely and helped to solidify the Northern Renaissance artistic style, which focused on intricate details and textures. Here, St James appears as a figure of humble dignity, draped in heavy robes, with bare feet planted firmly on the ground. As one of the earliest and most skilled printmakers, Schongauer played a pivotal role in establishing printmaking as a legitimate art form. His technical innovations allowed for the creation of more complex and detailed images than previously possible. Reflecting the religious devotion of the time, Schongauer’s prints offered a personal connection to faith. They provided a tangible form through which individuals could engage with religious narratives and figures. Schongauer’s St James Minor invites us to consider the intersection of faith, artistic expression, and the evolving role of the individual.