St. Philipp, from Christ and the Apostles

Art Historical Context

**St. Philipp, from *Christ and the Apostles*** This striking engraving depicts St. Philip, one of Christ's apostles, as part of a Renaissance series blending sacred narrative with masterful printmaking. Created between 1530 and 1576, it bears attributions to Flemish artists Lambert Suaviusalso known as Lambert Sis), Lambert Lombard—a pivotal figure in the Northern Renaissance who drew from Italian Mannerism—and Jakob Andreas Fridrich the Elder. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, it entered the collection via The Elisha Whittelsey Fund in 1949, showcasing the era's innovative reproductive techniques. Engravings like this were revolutionary in the 16th century, allowing widespread dissemination of religious imagery beyond paintings. Lombard's style, influenced by his time in Fontainebleau and classical antiquity, emphasizes precise line work and dramatic poses, making complex theological scenes accessible to devout viewers across Europe. The medium's durability suited both devotion and study, reflecting the Reformation-era demand for personal piety aids. A unique feature is its backing with a print by J.A. Fridrich, likely a 19th-century conservation method to stabilize the delicate copper-plate engraving. This piece invites us to appreciate how Renaissance artists transformed metal into windows on faith, bridging artistry and spirituality.

About the Artist

Lambert Suavius|Lambert Lombard|Jakob Andreas Fridrich the Elder · 1510–1576

Lambert Suavius (c.1510–c.1574/76), whose Flemish family name was Zutman, was born in Liège, in the southern Netherlands. He was the son of an episcopal goldsmith, Henri Zutman, and from his father's craft environment he inherited a training in the precise handling of metal and an appreciation for fine detail work. He became closely associated with his brother-in-law Lambert Lombard, the leading a...