De apostel Matthias en zijn martelaarschap 1510 - 1530

Allaert Claesz created this woodcut, "The Apostle Matthias and his Martyrdom," sometime between 1520 and 1555, a period marked by religious reformation and intense artistic change. Looking at the print, you can see Matthias standing calmly, a halberd—the instrument of his martyrdom—resting in his hand. Above him, in a circular vignette, his violent death unfolds. It is a moment of stark contrast: Matthias's serene acceptance against the brutal act of his execution. The story of Matthias, chosen to replace Judas, resonates with themes of duty, sacrifice, and faith, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the 16th century. This small print encapsulates the complex relationship between the individual and the divine, between violence and devotion, inviting us to reflect on the cost of belief.