Saint James the GreaterFrom the 'Seated Apostles' series c. 1455 - 1460

This engraving of Saint James the Greater is part of an anonymous series of seated apostles. The composition emphasizes a play of textures and lines across various surfaces: the saint’s draped robes, the smooth staff, and the tiled floor. This engraving is striking in its formal arrangement; vertical lines of the staff and the saint's upright posture are juxtaposed with the geometric and architectural forms of the tiled floor. The Apostle sits on a stone block holding a book, and his halo is carefully rendered with linear precision. The architectural setting suggests an attempt to ground the divine in a structured, rational space. The lines of the engraving create depth and volume, and it uses a semiotic system where objects like the book and staff are not merely representational, but also carry symbolic weight. The apostle's bare feet can be interpreted as a sign of humility or connection to the earthly realm. The balance between detailed rendering and symbolic representation invites ongoing contemplation. The work reflects a period where religious art began to incorporate elements of classical order and humanist ideals.