Dürer, Four Apostles

Summary

In the Alte Pinakothek, Munich, Albrecht Durer's 'The Four Apostles' diptych is discussed as a reflection of the Protestant Reformation. Durer, a convert to Protestantism, depicted apostles Paul and John, favored by Martin Luther, alongside Peter, symbolizing the papacy. The painting emphasizes direct access to the Bible for salvation, a central Reformation idea, and personal faith over church practices. It also highlights the impact of Gutenberg's printing press on Bible distribution and the artist's risk in forsaking church patronage.

Takeaways

• 🎨 The discussion is about Albrecht Durer's 'The Four Apostles' diptych housed in the Alte Pinakothek museum in Munich, Germany.
• 🖌 Durer, the artist, converted to Protestantism during the time of the Protestant Reformation, which is a significant context for interpreting the artwork.
• 🔑 The painting features two panels with apostles who were significant to Martin Luther: Paul and John, and behind them, Peter, who is traditionally associated with the papacy.
• 📜 The Reformation is symbolized through the depiction of the apostles and the emphasis on the Bible as the source of truth and salvation, rather than the church's practices.
• 📖 The painting reflects the historical shift towards personal interpretation of the Bible, made possible by its translation into common languages and widespread distribution.
• 👥 The apostles are portrayed with distinct personalities and expressions, which are believed to represent different aspects of the religious and political conflict of the time.
• ✝️ The painting includes a passage from the Bible, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,' highlighting the importance of the divine word over human authority.
• 🛡️ The artwork is a testament to the risks and challenges faced by both individuals and artists during the Reformation, including the potential loss of church patronage.
• 🏰 The diptych was not commissioned but was a personal work by Durer, which he gifted to the town elders of Nuremberg, signifying a break from traditional church patronage.
• ✍️ The painting also includes warnings from the apostles about false prophets and the importance of adhering to the word of God, reflecting the religious and moral dilemmas of the era.

Q & A

Where is the Alte Pinakothek located?

The Alte Pinakothek is located in Munich, Germany.

What is the subject of Albrecht Durer's Diptych in the Alte Pinakothek?

The subject of Albrecht Durer's Diptych is 'The Four Apostles'.

What significant religious event was taking place during the creation of 'The Four Apostles'?

The Protestant Reformation was taking place during the creation of 'The Four Apostles'.

How did Albrecht Durer's religious beliefs change during the time of the Reformation?

Albrecht Durer converted from Catholicism to Protestantism, becoming a follower of Martin Luther.

Which apostles are depicted in the foreground of 'The Four Apostles' and why were they significant to Martin Luther?

Paul and John are depicted in the foreground, and they were significant to Martin Luther as they were his favorites.

What does the large gold key held by Saint Peter symbolize?

The large gold key held by Saint Peter symbolizes the key to the Kingdom of Heaven.

What was the central idea of the Protestant Reformation as depicted in the painting?

The central idea depicted is that salvation is achieved through faith in the Bible, not through the practices of the Church.

How did the invention of the printing press by Gutenberg impact the distribution of the Bible?

The printing press allowed the Bible to be printed and distributed widely, and it was translated into common languages, making it accessible to the average person.

Who is depicted in the left panel of 'The Four Apostles' and what is significant about his depiction?

John is depicted in the left panel, and his depiction is significant due to the sense of serenity associated with him.

What does Saint Paul hold in the painting, and what do these items symbolize?

Saint Paul holds a book and a sword, symbolizing his authorship of the New Testament letters and his martyrdom by the sword.

How does the painting reflect the conflict and danger of the time during the Reformation?

The painting reflects the conflict and danger of the time through the powerful and different personalities of the apostles, as well as the warnings against false prophets written at the bottom.

What was the practical impact of Durer's conversion to Protestantism on his career as an artist?

Durer's conversion to Protestantism meant giving up the patronage of the Church, which was the main patron of art at the time.