St. James Major, from Christ and the Apostles n.d.

Editor: Here we have a print, "St. James Major, from Christ and the Apostles," by Israhel van Meckenem. It's undated, but from what I can see, the material seems to be paper. He appears to be walking, perhaps embarking on a journey. What do you see in this piece? Curator: Oh, this is such a compelling image. Notice the intricate lines of the engraving; you can almost feel the texture of St. James' cloak and beard, can’t you? To me, it speaks of the weight of faith, perhaps the burden but also the strength derived from spiritual conviction. See how his staff, the symbol of pilgrimage, anchors him, connecting him to both earth and something far beyond. What do you think about his placement on the unusual ground? Editor: I see that! It doesn't quite look like land, almost like a…fish? What do you make of that detail? Curator: Yes, intriguing, isn’t it? It’s most definitely a fish, which could refer to the story of Jesus calling James to be a "fisher of men," as James was called with his brother, John. So maybe Meckenem is playing on the multiple layers of St. James’ life. There’s this profound humility in his stance, yet also a quiet confidence that resonates through the ages. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. It's fascinating how a single detail can unlock so much meaning. I’ll definitely be more mindful of the layers within artworks moving forward. Curator: Absolutely, that’s where the true joy of art lies, doesn't it? To me it’s like gazing into a well, where each glance reveals a new reflection shimmering from below.