Apostel Paulus met zwaard 1517 - 1577

This engraving presents the Apostle Paul, recognizable by his sword and halo. The sword is not merely an attribute, but a symbol of his martyrdom, signaling his execution by the sword in Rome. More profoundly, it represents the Word of God, a weapon of spiritual combat. We see this motif echo across centuries, even in unexpected guises. Think of the winged Nike of Samothrace, a classical sculpture embodying victory, which in turn resembles the archangels standing over a defeated Lucifer. The Apostle Paul's sword embodies a similar triumph, a potent symbol of transformative power. It's an emotional beacon, promising redemption. This image is not just a depiction of a saint, but a part of an ongoing dialogue between symbols. It's a reminder that images evolve, adapt, and resurface, carrying echoes of past meanings into the present.