Apostel Jakobus de Meerdere (Jacobus Maior) 1651 - 1719

This engraving by Jacob Toorenvliet depicts the apostle James, his visage imbued with wisdom and a pilgrim's weariness. The scallop shell, prominently displayed on his cloak, is his emblem, a symbol deeply intertwined with the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. But this shell is more than a mere badge; it echoes across centuries, resonating with pagan symbols of fertility and rebirth. Found on shores, it connects the pilgrim to both the earthly and the divine, a constant reminder of transformation. In classical art, we see Venus emerging from a shell, a similar association with genesis and renewal. The subconscious draws parallels, linking the apostle's spiritual journey with universal motifs of birth, death, and resurrection. This potent symbol, imbued with layers of history, evokes a powerful emotional response, engaging the viewer on a level beyond conscious thought. The scallop shell has resurfaced, evolved, and taken on new meanings in different historical contexts.