Petrus en Paulus 1520

Sebald Beham created this miniature engraving, titled 'Petrus en Paulus' in the 16th century. Beham, living through the Reformation, faced political and religious instability, as well as the Peasants' War. Here, Saints Peter and Paul are depicted together, distinguished by their traditional attributes: Peter with the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven, and Paul with a sword, symbolizing his martyrdom. But notice how Beham renders them not as divine figures, but as weary, barefoot travelers. Their simple garments and somber expressions humanize them, stripping away their idealized saintly status. Beham was known for his involvement with the radical, Anabaptist wing of the Reformation, which advocated for social justice and equality. Beham's personal beliefs shaped his artistic choices, challenging the established religious order and inviting viewers to question traditional authority. In a world defined by rigid social hierarchies, Beham’s work can be seen as a powerful expression of empathy, and a reminder of the shared humanity that binds us together.