Apostel Judas Taddeüs 1616 - 1636

Nicolaes Ryckmans created this engraving of the Apostle Judas Thaddeus. Note the Apostle's halo, a circle of light signifying holiness, and the book, indicating knowledge and wisdom. This motif of a saint absorbed in reading appears throughout art history. From ancient philosophers to medieval monks, the act of reading has long been associated with divine inspiration. The Apostle’s solemn expression suggests a profound engagement with the text, reflecting not only intellectual pursuit but also spiritual contemplation. Consider the halo—a symbol that predates Christianity, found in Hellenistic art to denote power and divinity. Over time, it was adopted and adapted, becoming a key identifier for saints and holy figures, a visual shorthand that transcends cultures. It appears throughout time, each era interpreting it to signify a connection to the divine. The symbols within this engraving carry a weight of collective memory, continuously resurfacing and evolving with each new interpretation.