Apostel Mattias met speer 1517 - 1577

This is an anonymous print depicting the Apostle Matthias, recognizable by his attribute: a spear. The spear is not merely a weapon; it is an emblem of power, protection, and divine will, echoing its earlier appearances in classical antiquity and in the hands of pagan gods, adapted now to a Christian context. Consider how, in ancient Greece, the spear was the domain of warrior gods like Athena. Over time, it appears as a symbol of authority and divine mandate. The shift from pagan deity to Christian saint reveals a fascinating cycle of cultural adaptation and transformation, where old symbols are imbued with new meanings, resonating within the collective memory. The figure of Matthias holding the spear thus engages us on a profound level, stirring subconscious associations of power, protection, and spiritual authority. We recognize the past echoes, yet witness their transformation, reminding us of the non-linear, cyclical nature of symbols as they resurface and evolve through history.