Johannes de apostel en evangelist 1614

Dietrich Krüger created this engraving of John the Apostle. Note how the composition presents a tableau framed by classical columns, lending the scene an architectural formality. Krüger uses contrasting textures—smooth skin against the rough feathers of the eagle, soft drapery against hard stone—to guide our eyes. John is depicted holding a chalice with a serpent emerging. This isn't merely decorative; it's a symbolic representation of his triumph over poison, a narrative deeply embedded in Christian iconography. The inclusion of the eagle, one of the symbols traditionally associated with John, adds a layer of symbolic complexity. The engraving operates within a system of signs, where each element refers to a larger narrative or concept. By engaging with these symbols and their historical context, the artwork challenges fixed meanings and invites ongoing interpretation. It is a fascinating insight into the fusion of religious narrative and artistic form.