The Four Apostles by is a Renaissance style diptych painting created by Albrecht Dürer in 1526. This work, which includes two oil-on-panel paintings, depicts four prominent figures of Christianity: Saints John, Peter, Mark, and Paul. While the painting is known for its largescale size and reflection of the emerging humanist ideals of the time, the piece is also an early example of Dürer's conversion to, and support of, Protestantism. Originally gifted to the city of Nuremberg, the panels also serve as a visual statement of Dürer's Protestant sympathies, emphasizing the authority of scripture. The painting is currently housed in Munich at the Alte Pinakothek.
Description
The two paintings that make up this diptych are both done in a Northern Renaissance style and are the last of Dürer's largescale works.
Symbolism
Dürer included various symbols within this painting that are associated with each of the apostles. These symbols were attributed to their respective saints not only as a means of identification, but to also personify the mission of the Protestant Reformation Dürer had recently joined.