Heilige Bartolomeüs, Thomas en Johannes de Doper 1827

Johann Nepomuk Strixner created this print of Saints Bartholomew, Thomas, and John the Baptist sometime in the early 19th century. Strixner lived during a time of great social change, as the Enlightenment began challenging traditional religious and political structures. Here, three male saints are pictured in robes. Bartholomew holds a scroll, Thomas holds a set square, and John the Baptist holds a lamb. As you look at this image, consider how the artist constructs masculinity through religious iconography. What does it mean to portray these figures as both holy and masculine? The print reflects the cultural and historical context of its creation, referencing religious tradition while also subtly engaging with contemporary ideals of identity. Strixner invites us to reflect on how we understand these traditional narratives.