St. Paul (First State) 1514

Albrecht Durer made this engraving of St. Paul in 1514. It shows the saint with a book, a symbol of his writings, and a sword, representing his martyrdom. Durer’s image reflects the religious and intellectual climate of the early 16th century. Created in Germany during the rise of the Reformation, Durer’s St. Paul can be seen as a commentary on religious authority and individual faith. The detailed rendering of Paul's face and the inclusion of his attributes invites viewers to engage directly with the saint's teachings, bypassing the traditional authority of the Catholic Church. Durer, while remaining nominally Catholic, was sympathetic to the calls for religious reform, and his art often reflected a more personal and intellectual approach to faith. Understanding Durer’s St. Paul requires us to examine not only the artist’s biography but also the broader religious, political, and intellectual currents of his time. By consulting historical documents, theological treatises, and contemporary accounts, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex social forces that shaped Durer’s artistic vision.