H. Petrus en H. Paulus 1824 - 1898

Alphonse-Charles Masson created this print of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in 1830. He made it using etching, a printmaking technique used to create detailed and precise images, at a time when the medium was gaining popularity for its ability to reproduce artworks for wider audiences. Consider the visual language here. Peter, holding the keys to heaven, and Paul, with his sword, are presented not just as religious figures but as pillars of authority. Masson’s decision to depict them with such gravitas reflects the 19th century's complex relationship with religion, especially in France. The print serves as a reminder of the power dynamics inherent in religious institutions. It invites us to reflect on the personal and societal impacts of these power structures, and how they shape our understanding of faith, authority, and tradition.