Mattias c. 1640 - 1680

Cornelis van Caukercken's engraving portrays Saint Matthias, his gaze directed beyond us, his hands clasped in quiet contemplation. This gesture of intertwined hands, so seemingly simple, resonates deeply within the vast theatre of human expression. Consider its echoes throughout history – from ancient Roman funerary sculptures, where it symbolized loyalty and eternal bonds, to Renaissance portraits, where it signified piety and inner reflection. The hands, intertwined, become a vessel carrying the weight of countless emotions and cultural meanings. Think of it, too, as a gesture of restraint, a lid on the subconscious, a control of the self. Observe how the use of chiaroscuro here intensifies Matthias' somber mood, engaging us on a visceral level. The image evokes a sense of introspection that transcends time, resurfacing across cultures and epochs. It reminds us of the cyclical, non-linear progression of symbols, perpetually reborn.