Apostel Jakobus de Meerdere (Major) met pelgrimshoed en pelgrimsstaf in nis 1517 - 1577

Editor: This is an engraving of Saint James the Major, made sometime between 1517 and 1577. It’s at the Rijksmuseum, though the artist is anonymous. He’s shown as a pilgrim and looks quite imposing, doesn't he? How would you interpret the symbolism in this image? Curator: It's compelling how the pilgrim's staff, for example, acts as both support and a signifier of journey. A journey can mean a physical trek or a profound shift in psychological awareness. Do you notice the shell on his shoulder? Editor: Yes, it’s small, but noticeable. Curator: That scallop shell is the emblem of St. James, tying him specifically to pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. It signified that the bearer was on a sacred quest. Pilgrimages transform a person. It changes how one sees the world and their place in it. How do you think the original viewers perceived it? Editor: I guess they might have seen it as a sign of hope or perhaps inspiration for their own journeys. Curator: Precisely. Or perhaps a call to reflect on their own spiritual journeys. And the book? It’s not just any book, is it? What significance do you think a book would hold? Editor: Probably a holy text? Symbolising the importance of learning and devotion to their faith? Curator: Indeed! So we see St. James embodying a continuous connection between faith, journey, and the potential for inner transformation, wouldn't you say? Editor: That’s a great way to look at it. It's more than just a picture; it’s about internal exploration! Curator: Exactly, these historical symbols invite us to look at past values as reflections of our continuous human journeys.