Who painted Saints Peter and Paul?

Saints Peter and Paul was painted by Jacques Callot in 1610.

Where can I see Saints Peter and Paul?

Saints Peter and Paul is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saints Peter and Paul?

Saints Peter and Paul is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Saints Peter and Paul

Jacques Callot , 1610

Saints Peter and Paul is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jacques Callot. It dates from 1610 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1610, this print presents the apostle Peter alongside Paul, rendered in black-and-white engraving on laid paper.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1610, this print presents the apostle Peter alongside Paul, rendered in black-and-white engraving on laid paper. The two figures stand side by side, each marked by a halo that denotes their sanctity. Peter is identified by a book and a set of keys, while Paul holds a sword, traditional attributes that signal their respective roles within early Christianity.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on the twin pillars of the early Church, emphasizing their complementary missions. Peter’s keys symbolize authority over the heavenly realm, whereas Paul’s sword alludes to his missionary zeal and the spiritual warfare described in his epistles. By placing them together, the image underscores the unity of apostolic leadership and the theological foundations of the faith.

Technique & Style

Executed through engraving, the artist incised fine lines into a metal plate, producing a dense network of hatching that conveys texture and depth. The background’s horizontal bands create a subtle sense of spatial recession, while the crisp delineation of the saints’ robes and attributes reflects the detailed, narrative-driven aesthetic typical of early 17th‑century French printmaking.

History & Provenance

The work originates from Jacques Callot, a prolific printmaker from the Duchy of Lorraine whose output exceeded a thousand etchings and engravings. Though primarily known for his depictions of contemporary events, Callot also produced a range of religious images. This particular piece, dated 1610, remains an example of his engagement with ecclesiastical subjects during the Baroque period.