Apostel Simon de Zeloot before 1646

This is Christoffel van Sichem II’s engraving of Apostel Simon de Zeloot, made sometime in the 17th century. During this period, the Dutch Republic was experiencing its Golden Age, marked by economic prosperity and cultural flourishing, but also stark social hierarchies rooted in religious and class differences. Van Sichem's depiction presents Simon holding a saw, the instrument of his martyrdom, yet his gaze is soft, almost melancholic. This tender portrayal is striking, given the religious violence of the era, especially between Catholics and Protestants. The print includes a poignant inscription referencing forgiveness and the removal of wickedness, encapsulating the internal conflict within the Christian faith at the time. Consider that the artist, as a male engraver, had a specific, gendered position in society, influencing how he portrayed religious figures. Van Sichem's Simon is not just a martyr, but a figure of contemplative sorrow. The engraving invites reflection on faith, forgiveness, and the burdens of history, urging us to consider the human dimensions of religious narrative amid societal strife.