Apostel Bartholomeus 1698 - 1776

Johannes de Groot created this print of Apostel Bartholomeus using burin and etching. De Groot lived during a time when the Dutch Republic was declining, yet art and science flourished. This print captures the intensity of faith and suffering, portraying Bartholomew with furrowed brow and a knife, referencing his martyrdom. The image reflects the complex relationship between religious conviction, human suffering, and identity. There is a raw, almost confrontational emotionality in Bartholomew’s gaze, inviting the viewer to consider the weight of his sacrifice. De Groot challenges traditional representations by presenting a saint marked by human emotion. How does this image of Bartholomew resonate with contemporary discussions about faith, sacrifice, and the burdens of identity?