The artwork “St. Philip” is an engraving created by the renowned artist Albrecht Dürer in 1526. This piece is part of the Northern Renaissance art movement and falls into the religious painting genre, despite being an engraving rather than a traditional painting. Originally, the artwork “St. Philip” has been held in a private collection.
In the image depicted, you can observe a full-length portrait of St. Philip, who is traditionally recognized as one of the Twelve Apostles in Christian theology. St. Philip is portrayed standing, facing to his right, holding a tall cross in his left hand, indicative of his martyrdom. His right hand gently grips the cross or staff. Dürer accurately engraved the detail of his flowing robes, beard, and wavy hair, showcasing his unmistakable mastery of the engraving medium. The saint’s contemplative expression and the fine details of his facial features and clothing indicate Dürer’s skill in rendering human figures with a high degree of realism and emotional depth, which is characteristic of the Northern Renaissance period.
The background is minimalistic, with just a hint of the environment, perhaps rocky terrain and some vegetation, which puts the emphasis firmly on the figure of St. Philip. Dürer’s monogram and the year of creation are inscribed in the lower part of the engraving, verifying its authenticity and date. The meticulous lines and shades in this engraving reflect Dürer’s expertise and contribute to the solemn and dignified aura surrounding the depiction of the saint.
