The Trial of St James (Scenes from the Life of St. James) 1457

Andrea Mantegna’s print, The Trial of St James, was made sometime before 1506, and illustrates a story from the life of St James. Mantegna lived and worked in a time of immense social and political upheaval. He was the adopted son of a tradesman, and much of his early work reflected his social position and humanist beliefs. This print, with its grandiose, classical architecture, speaks to the societal and cultural elite. St James is brought before a Roman authority, accused of heresy and sedition. The facelessness of the crowd amplifies the stark contrast between the accusers and the accused. This print, with its themes of justice, power, and faith, allows us to reflect on the complexities of cultural identity, and what it means to stand against power. Even today, we still struggle with how to value our beliefs in the face of judgment.