Saint Paul

Saint Paul, shown as pendant or companion to Saint Peter, completes one of the most theologically laden pairings in Christian iconography — the two founding pillars of the Roman church. In Lutheran contexts Paul held particular significance, as Luther's reading of Paul's letter to the Romans was the theological foundation of his doctrine of justification by faith. Cranach's Saint Paul thus carried a specifically Lutheran charge beyond its traditional iconographic role.

Paul is shown with sword and book, his traditional attributes, in the same format as the companion Peter. The sword references his martyrdom and his role as spiritual warrior; the book references his epistles and his importance as a theological author. The handling is consistent with Cranach's workshop production.