St. Philipp 1470 - 1491

Martin Schongauer made this engraving of St. Philipp sometime before his death in 1491. It’s a fascinating image for considering the public role of art at the time. Schongauer worked in the late medieval Holy Roman Empire, where the church played a central role in daily life. This print was made for a mass market. St. Philipp’s halo and the cross-staff he carries identify him instantly. Printmaking allowed artists to reproduce images of saints, making them accessible to ordinary people for personal devotion. The image embodies both religious and economic functions. To understand this print, we research the religious practices of the time and the economic structures that enabled the production and distribution of such images. Studying account books, guild records, and religious texts helps us understand the intersection of art, commerce, and faith in the late 15th century. By exploring these sources, we can better appreciate the complex role this small print played in its historical context.