Who painted Saint Paul?

Saint Paul was painted by Lucas Cranach the Elder in 1512.

Where can I see Saint Paul?

Saint Paul is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Paul?

Saint Paul is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Saint Paul?

Museum-quality prints of Saint Paul are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Saint Paul

Lucas Cranach the Elder , 1512

Saint Paul is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Lucas Cranach the Elder. It dates from 1512 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created circa 1512, this woodcut portrays the apostle Paul in a solemn pose, holding a sword and a scroll.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1512, this woodcut portrays the apostle Paul in a solemn pose, holding a sword and a scroll. Executed in black and white, the image features a bearded, robed figure against a patterned background that includes small cherubic figures. The work exemplifies early 16th‑century German printmaking and reflects the artist’s engagement with traditional religious iconography.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents Paul as a learned and militant apostle: the sword, a common attribute, symbolizes his martyrdom, while the scroll references his epistolary contributions to the New Testament. The contemplative expression and the inclusion of cherubs reinforce a devotional atmosphere, aligning the piece with Catholic visual conventions of the period.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the print relies on sharply incised lines to render the texture of fabric folds, hair, and the grain of the wood block. The high contrast between black ink and white paper allows intricate detailing, especially in the swirling ornamental border and the delicate rendering of the cherubs. Such precision was typical of German print workshops in the early 1500s.

History & Provenance

The piece originates from the workshop of Lucas Cranach the Elder, a prominent court painter to the Electors of Saxony. It belongs to his early output, produced before his later involvement with Reformation subjects. The print circulated widely due to its relatively low production cost, facilitating the spread of its devotional imagery across northern Europe.

Context

During the early 1500s, woodcut prints served as an accessible medium for religious instruction and personal devotion. Cranach’s work fits within the broader German Renaissance, where artists combined Northern detail with emerging humanist interests. This print predates his collaborations with Martin Luther, marking a transitional moment in his career.