Apostel Judas Taddeüs met hellebaard 1517 - 1527

This is an engraving depicting the Apostle Jude Thaddeus holding a halberd. Note how the composition uses a stark contrast between light and shadow. This contrast isn't merely decorative; it structures the image, creating a dynamic interplay between form and void. The figure is framed within what appears to be an architectural boundary on either side. These vertical lines act as a visual anchor, drawing the eye upwards, accentuating the Apostle's halo. Consider the halberd. Its sharp, angular form contrasts dramatically with the soft, flowing lines of Jude’s robes and hair. The contrast implies a tension between spiritual authority, represented by the halo, and temporal power. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the role of the church in worldly affairs, or perhaps a reflection on the duality of human nature itself. Ultimately, the work invites us to question the relationship between belief, power, and representation.