Apostel Simon Zelotes met zaag 1517 - 1577

This anonymous print, “Apostel Simon Zelotes met zaag” depicts Simon the Zealot, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ. This small, detailed print was made between 1517 and 1577 and currently resides at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The subject is shown standing, holding a book and a saw, his martyrdom tool, in his hands. The scene is framed by an archway, typical of religious prints of the Renaissance period. This print provides a glimpse into the Dutch artistic practice of the 16th century, where religious imagery was still central to artistic expression.