St. Jude, plate 10 from The Twelve Apostles 1545

Sebald Beham’s “St. Jude, plate 10 from The Twelve Apostles” is a 1545 engraving depicting one of the twelve apostles. The image shows St. Jude standing with a staff, wearing a long robe, with his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing. This particular work was part of a larger series of engravings called “The Twelve Apostles”, which showcased the twelve figures from the New Testament. The fine detail and realistic portrayal of St. Jude are characteristic of Beham’s engraving style, highlighting his mastery of the medium and his deep understanding of religious iconography. The engraving is a great example of Northern Renaissance art and its focus on detailed realism and religious themes. This work is currently in the collection of The Art Institute of Chicago.