St. Paul, from Christ, the Apostles and St. Paul with the Creed 1584 - 1594

Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving of St. Paul as part of a series depicting Christ, the Apostles, and St. Paul with the Creed. Goltzius worked during a time of religious reformation, when the representation of religious figures was fraught with ideological significance. Here, Paul is depicted as an aged, wise figure, complete with a long beard and traditional robes. He holds a sword, a symbol of his martyrdom, but it is also a symbol of the power of the Word and the strength of his faith. Goltzius offers the viewer a figure of power and intellect, inscribing below the figure "For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain." Notably, Goltzius, who was known for his innovative engraving techniques, uses the print medium to democratize the image, making it accessible to a wider audience. This accessibility reflects the Protestant Reformation’s emphasis on individual interpretation and relationship with the divine. The print embodies a tension between artistic innovation and religious tradition, reflecting the complex cultural landscape of the 16th century.