Saint Veronica 1485 - 1528

Albrecht Dürer created this woodcut depicting Saint Veronica in the late 15th or early 16th century, a time of religious reform and shifting social structures in Europe. In this small but powerful image, Veronica presents the veil bearing the likeness of Christ, a symbol of faith and miraculous intervention. During the Renaissance, the legend of Saint Veronica resonated with notions of female compassion and agency. Here, Veronica stands against the traditional representations of women, offering a narrative of active participation in sacred events, rather than passive observation. Dürer captures the emotional intensity of the encounter. The stark contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the suffering in Christ's face. The print invites us to reflect on themes of empathy, religious devotion, and the role of women in shaping religious narratives, while also reflecting the personal and emotional connections individuals forge with their faith.