Peter from the Martyrdom of the Twelve Apostles
Original title: Peter from the Martyrdom of the Twelve Apostles
kurzbeschreibung
Lucas Cranach the Elder produced this woodcut, which presents the apostle Peter at the hour of his martyrdom. The undated sheet belongs to a series on the sufferings of the twelve apostles and follows a monumentalizing approach. Its dimensions are 16 by 12.5 centimeters.
Description
Peter hangs upside down from a tree at the center, surrounded by numerous soldiers in armor and clothing. Some of them carry hammers or swords, while others watch the event. Behind the group of figures appear ruined buildings, a tree trunk, and a tower; two coats of arms catch the eye at the upper left. The whole remains colorless in shades of gray, and the light is even, leaving hardly any shadows visible.
Context
This series presumably originated in the early sixteenth century, while Cranach held the office of court painter in Wittenberg. The martyrdom of the apostles enjoyed great popularity during the Reformation because it emphasized the perseverance of the early Christians. The exact date when the sheet was made is not recorded; it belongs, however, to a group of woodcuts that Cranach produced for the print market.
Impact
Despite the violent event, the clear linework and calm layout convey a surprising sobriety. Even light and fine hatching create a contemplative, almost narrative mood. It is not dramatic effects that hold the viewer's attention but the precise account of the proceedings.
Technique
For this sheet, the design was cut into a woodblock and then pulled onto paper. Precise cutting, characteristic of Cranach, is evident in the thin lines and hatching. Because only one printing plate was used, the result is monochrome in shades of gray.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)