Jakobus de Meerdere c. 1555 - 1565

This print portrays Saint James the Greater as a pilgrim, staff in hand, ready for his journey. The staff is more than a support; it symbolizes pilgrimage, purpose, and spiritual quest. Consider how the staff echoes through art history—from Hermes’ caduceus, a symbol of negotiation and travel, to the scepters of rulers, denoting authority and guidance. Here, it represents the saint’s reliance on faith during his travels. The hat and cloak also mark him as a traveler. Think of similar garments in depictions of wanderers like the biblical figures of the Exodus, eternally searching for a promised land. The road, the journey, the quest, all speak to a deeper psychological need to find meaning and direction in life. These symbols recur, evolving yet retaining their essence, as humanity continually seeks understanding through movement and exploration.