Der Heiligen XII
Original title: Der Heiligen XII, from the Wittenberg relic-book
kurzbeschreibung
Twelve apostles, arranged in two rows, appear in the woodcut "Der Heiligen XII" by Lucas Cranach the Elder, made in 1549. Each figure carries traditional attributes that identify them clearly. The sheet belonged to a reliquary book and is considered a typical example of printmaking from the Reformation era.
Description
A key, a book, a sword—each of the twelve apostles has his own emblem. They stand in two rows of six, facing forward or turned slightly in profile, varying in posture and expression. Above them the title "DER HEILIGEN XII." appears in large, decorative letters. Below come text blocks recounting the apostles' lives. The layout relies on clear contours and even light, with no shading at all.
Context
Made in Wittenberg in 1549, this woodcut was part of a reliquary book that recorded the collection of relics in the Castle Church. Texts by Johannem Pollicarium, a preacher from Weißenfels, served as the source. Lucas Cranach the Elder was then among the leading printmakers and was close to the Reformation. The sheet helped spread religious imagery in Protestant circles.
Impact
The plain, clear linework gives the apostles a dignity that is also down-to-earth. The even arrangement and repeated patterns create a calm, meditative mood. Because the sheet remains monochrome, contours and symbols stand out, which makes the view easier to read.
Technique
In this woodcut, the design is cut into a woodblock and transferred to paper with printing ink. The method allows fine lines and precise reproduction of the figures and the text. The sheet is printed in black on paper, with no additional coloring.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)