Peter from Christ, the Apostles and St. Paul 1472 - 1553

This is Lucas Cranach the Elder's woodcut of Peter from Christ, the Apostles and St. Paul, currently held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The composition, dominated by the imposing figure of Saint Peter, is striking. Cranach employs a dense network of lines to define form, creating both texture and depth. Note how the drapery folds cascade around Peter's body, their intricate patterns contrasting with the smoother surfaces of his face and hands. This contrast directs our gaze, focusing attention on his expression and the objects he holds: a book and a key. The key, a traditional symbol of Saint Peter, is rendered with meticulous detail, each notch and groove carefully delineated. The surrounding frame, adorned with cherubic figures, adds another layer of complexity, creating a semiotic interplay between the earthly and the divine. Cranach challenges the viewer to consider not just the narrative but the underlying structure that conveys meaning.