St. Peter from De Biblie vth der vthlegginge Doctoris Martini Luthers, plate 27 from Woodcuts from Books of the XVI Century c. 1534 - 1937

This woodcut of St. Peter was made in Germany in the 16th century by Erhard Altdorfer. It was used as a plate in Martin Luther's translation of the Bible. Luther's translation played a crucial role in the Protestant Reformation, challenging the Catholic Church's authority. The image of St. Peter, holding the keys to heaven, becomes particularly charged in this context. Visually, the woodcut is striking in its use of line to create texture and depth. The figure of St. Peter is rendered with a focus on his humanity and approachability. The presence of both the image and the German text reflects the reformer's commitment to making the scriptures accessible to a wider audience. As historians, we can study this woodcut alongside other printed materials from the period to understand the complex interplay of religious belief, political power, and artistic expression. The history of this artwork reminds us that the meaning of art is contingent on the social and institutional contexts in which it's made and used.