St. Peter, from Christ, the Twelve Apostles and St. Paul 1525 - 1576

Lambert Suavius created this engraving of St. Peter as part of a series around Christ and the Apostles. Born in Liège, Suavius straddled the worlds of the Netherlands and the Holy Roman Empire during a time of immense religious and political upheaval. In this print, Suavius captures Peter not as an exalted saint, but as a man worn by time and faith. The keys he holds, symbols of his authority, seem heavy in his aged hands. He is positioned next to a headless sculpture, which stands in stark contrast to the very human and fallible figure of St. Peter. This visual juxtaposition prompts a question: what does it mean to lead? Is leadership about unattainable perfection, or about bearing the weight of responsibility with human frailty? By emphasizing Peter's humanity, Suavius invites us to see the saint not as a distant icon, but as a relatable figure navigating his faith in a complex world.