Apostel Bartholomeus before 1646

Curator: Let's delve into this engraving, "Apostel Bartholomeus," created before 1646 by Christoffel van Sichem II, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. Editor: This image is striking! The lines of the engraving are so detailed. It’s an image of St. Bartholomew holding a book, maybe a Bible, and there's an axe behind him. What do you see in this piece beyond just the obvious symbolism? Curator: I see the artist engaging with theological and political ideas prevalent at the time. Notice how Bartholomew is represented, not as a triumphant figure, but with his gaze lowered, seemingly in contemplation. This could reflect the period's introspection and challenges to established authority. How does the inclusion of the axe resonate with you, considering the narratives surrounding martyrdom? Editor: It’s a bit unsettling. It makes me think about the violence enacted against marginalized communities, then and now, even in the name of religion. Curator: Exactly. This image, intended for religious instruction, can also prompt us to examine the darker aspects of religious history: the use of power, persecution, and the silencing of dissenting voices. The printing press enabled the dissemination of these ideas and allowed the questioning and reinforcing power dynamics. Editor: So it’s more than just a portrait of a saint. It is also a conversation about power, belief, and the complex relationship between the two. I initially just saw a religious figure, but now I see so much more. Thanks for opening my eyes. Curator: Absolutely, the point of art history is to reflect on art's relevance today, particularly on themes of identity, representation, and social justice. We must interrogate the past to better understand the present and challenge inequalities.