Silver Statuette of St. Simon, from the Wittenberg Reliquaries

Art Historical Context

This delicate woodcut print, *Silver Statuette of St Simon, from the Witten Reliquaries*, captures likeness of a silver statuette of the apostle saint, likely part of a revered collection of holy relics from Wittenberg, Germany. by Lucas Cranach the, a leading figure of the German Renaissance and close associate of Martin Luther, the work reflects the era's blend of religious devotion and emerging Protestant influences. Wittenberg, the heart of the Reformation, housed such reliquaries in its churches, making this image a window into 16th-century Catholic piety just as it faced challenge. Cranach's mastery of the woodcut medium shines in this intimate sheet, measuring just 5 5/16 × 2 11/16 inches. Woodcuts were ideal for producing affordable, reproducible images that spread religious iconography widely—perfect for pilgrims or devotees documenting sacred treasures. The precise lines and shading evoke the statuette's metallic gleam and solemn pose, emphasizing St. Simon's role as one of Christ's apostles, often depicted with symbols of zeal or martyrdom. Today, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (acquired via the Harris Brisbane Dick Fund in 1927), this print offers a tangible link to Reformation-era artistry, bridging fine craftsmanship with cultural upheaval. A testament to Cranach's versatility beyond painting, it invites us to ponder how images preserved faith's material legacy.

About the Artist

Lucas Cranach the Elder · 1472–1553

Lucas Cranach the Elder (c. 1472-1553) was one of the most prominent German Renaissance painters and a key artistic figure of the Protestant Reformation. Born in Kronach, Franconia, to the painter Hans Maler, Cranach began his career in Vienna around 1502, where he became one of the founders of the Danube School, a movement characterized by expressive landscape painting and emotional force. His ea...