H. Jacobus der Meerdere c. 1596

This engraving by Zacharias Dolendo, a Dutch artist, from 1596 depicts Saint James the Great, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus. The round composition, typical of the period, shows the saint holding a staff and a pilgrim's shell, attributes often associated with him. His halo, beard, and detailed clothing suggest a strong emphasis on realism. Dolendo's work, created in the Netherlands during the Northern Renaissance, is a testament to the flourishing of printmaking and religious art in the 16th century. The image is a prime example of the use of engraving in representing sacred figures.