Apostel Bartholomeus 1616 - 1636

Nicolaes Ryckmans' etching "Apostel Bartholomeus" (1616-1636) depicts the apostle Bartholomew, holding a flaying knife, a symbol of his martyrdom. The detailed rendering of his wrinkled face and the flowing drapery conveys a sense of solemn piety. This print, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, showcases the artist's skill in capturing both realistic detail and emotional depth in a small format. The etching was likely part of a larger series of prints depicting the apostles, demonstrating Ryckmans' contribution to the popular religious art of the Dutch Golden Age.