Saint Bartholomew; Saint Matthew before 1585

Editor: This bound sheet features hand-colored engravings of Saint Bartholomew and Saint Matthew by Anton Wierix II. I’m really struck by the contrast between the serene figures and the violent scenes behind them. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, I'm drawn to how Wierix combines the monumental and the miniature. These saints, icons of faith, are set against chaotic landscapes, a world grappling with belief. It's as if the artist is asking, "Where does holiness reside amidst human conflict?" Editor: That's a powerful question. The engravings feel so detailed, yet the overall impact is almost dreamlike. Curator: Exactly! It's a testament to the artist's skill, creating intimacy with the saints while hinting at a much larger, complex narrative. I wonder what a scholar of Wierix would make of that. Editor: Definitely gives me something to think about. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure!