Jakobus de Meerdere ontmoet de magiër Hermogenes 1565

Editor: This engraving from 1565, "Jakobus de Meerdere ontmoet de magiër Hermogenes" by Pieter van der Heyden, feels…chaotic. There's so much happening, almost like a scene from a nightmare. What do you make of it? Curator: Chaotic is one word for it, I might say divinely turbulent. Imagine Bruegel whispering darkly into the artist’s ear. He’s definitely channeling a world teetering between faith and superstition. See how Saint James stands serenely amidst the… *uproarious* activity? It’s as if he's the still point in a turning world. Where does your eye immediately go? Editor: Probably the devils, and the person riding on a very bizarre dragon type animal. But also Saint James himself, standing so upright amidst the chaos is captivating. Curator: Exactly. Van der Heyden’s masterful use of engraving captures so many textural and tonal details - the grotesqueness of the demons and the unwavering devotion of the Saint. To me, it represents the battle for souls, visualized through a Northern Renaissance lens, of course. A very judgmental lens! What does this composition say about Renaissance beliefs of the unknown? Editor: I see what you mean! So, beyond just a depiction of a biblical scene, it's really exploring anxieties around faith, doubt, and the power of good versus evil, isn't it? Thank you for making the history of this image pop so brilliantly, this history makes this even more interesting. Curator: Indeed, a lot more to be learnt! It makes you ponder if faith can still bloom in utter mayhem! Thank you, that makes me incredibly joyous.