St. John, plate 4 from The Twelve Apostles 1545

This engraving, "St. John," is part of a series depicting the twelve apostles by German artist Sebald Beham. The image depicts St. John standing with a chalice containing a snake in his hand, a symbol of the poison he refused to drink in the Book of Revelation. Beham's use of fine lines and intricate details captures the delicate features of St. John. The artwork's intricate hatching and cross-hatching, a technique common in the Renaissance period, contribute to the powerful depiction of the saint. The work is part of the Art Institute of Chicago's collection.