A Silver Statuette of St. Christopher, from the Wittenberg Reliquaries 1472 - 1553

This silver statuette of St. Christopher, a popular saint in the 16th century, was created by Lucas Cranach the Elder, a prominent figure in the German Renaissance. Cranach is known for his detailed woodcuts and portraits, and here he captures the traditional depiction of St. Christopher carrying the Christ child across a river, a symbol of faith and protection. The delicate lines and expressive figures showcase Cranach's mastery of the woodcut medium, a technique favored for its ability to produce multiple copies of an image. This statuette, part of the Wittenberg Reliquaries, exemplifies the religious devotion and artistic excellence of the era.