St. Philippus

Saint Philip is shown as an elderly, robust figure on the right, holding a large book and a long-handled processional cross. In the center, a group of men use a wooden crane and ropes to raise a cross where another figure is being bound for execution. The background features a classical circular temple and a statue of a pagan deity on a high pedestal, representing the Roman world the saint sought to convert.

This print by Hendrick Goltzius represents the Northern Mannerist style and its synthesis of classical form with Christian hagiography. It illustrates the narrative of the saint's conflict with pagan idolatry, a theme often discussed in Renaissance humanist circles regarding the transition from ancient philosophy to Christian theology.