Christ Talking to the Disciples, 5, from Das Plenarium

Art Historical Context

**Christ Talking to the Disciples, 5, from *Das Plenarium*** Created in 1517 by German Hans Schäufelein, with printing by Adam Petri, thiscut is the fifth illustration from *Das Plenarium*, a prayer book compiling liturgical texts for the church year. Produced during the early Reformation era—just as Martin Luther posted his Ninety-Five Theses—this print captures a pivotal biblical moment: Jesus instructing his disciples, rendered in the intricate style of the Northern Renaissance. Schäufelein, a pupil of Albrecht Dürer, brought dynamic energy to religious scenes, blending detailed line work with expressive figures to make scripture accessible to lay audiences. The hand-colored woodcut medium, measuring a compact 3 11/16 × 2 11/16 inches, exemplifies the era's innovative printmaking. Woodcuts allowed for affordable mass production of books, while hand-coloring added vibrancy and personalization, elevating humble illustrations into cherished devotional objects. This technique highlighted Schäufele's mastery of bold contours and subtle shading, ideal for small-scale book pages. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (gift of Harry G. Friedman, 1961), the print reflects printing's role in spreading faith amid religious upheaval. Visitors will appreciate its intimate scale, inviting close contemplation of Christ's teachings amid gathering disciples—a testament to art's power in everyday piety.

About the Artist

Hans Schäufelein|Adam Petri · 1480–1540

Hans Schäufelein (c. 1480–c. 1540) was a German painter and graphic artist of the Northern Renaissance whose career placed him at the heart of one of the most dynamic artistic environments in European history. As a young man, he entered the workshop of Albrecht Dürer in Nuremberg, an experience that proved decisive: Dürer's meticulous approach to draughtsmanship, his mastery of printmaking, and hi...