Apostelen Jakob d.y. 1609 - 1670

Karel van Mander III created this black and white drawing of the Apostle James the Younger during the Dutch Golden Age, a time of immense shifts in wealth and power. Here, James is not depicted in the triumphant or idealized manner common at the time, but as an introspective, aged figure. Notice how his face is marked by the passage of time, and how he leans heavily on a staff. This challenges conventional representations, inviting viewers to connect with the apostle on a more human level. The choice to portray James in such a way, invites us to consider the emotional and physical toll that faith and commitment might take on an individual. It’s a powerful depiction that resonates with the struggles and realities of human existence, encouraging us to reflect on our own journeys and vulnerabilities.