Albrecht Dürer
Selbstbildnis im Pelzrock, 1500
Lindenholz (Tilia sp.), 67,1 x 48,9 cm
Erworben 1805 durch die Zentralgemäldegaleriedirektion
Inv. Nr. 537
The Four Apostles
Four larger-than-life size figures are depicted on these two panels: John, Peter, Mark and Paul. Incorporated into the painting at their feet is a narrow band with inscriptions, which contains an admonition to the "temporal regents" to respect the words of the Bible and to beware of the temptations of "false prophets". This "warning" is supported with quotes from biblical writings of the depicted Apostles, which can basically only be understood when considered together with the Reformation that came to Nuremberg in 1525. The caution is directed at the Council of the Free City of Nuremberg, to whom Dürer gave these panels.