De apostel Philippus 1518 - 1550

This is an engraving of ‘The Apostle Philip’, of unknown date, by an anonymous artist. The composition immediately strikes us with its rigorous symmetry and the stark contrast of light and shadow achieved through fine, precise lines. The apostle is centrally positioned, his figure a study in verticality, accentuated by the staff he holds, while the radiating halo behind his head echoes this with bursts of light that draw the eye. Observe how the engraver uses hatching to model form, creating a palpable sense of texture in the apostle’s robes and hair. The semiotic weight of this image is carried by Philip's attributes: the book, symbolizing knowledge, and the cross-topped staff, emblematic of his apostolic mission. Consider, too, the gaze of the apostle, directed slightly downwards, inviting contemplation and introspection. Ultimately, the engraving functions as a powerful statement of faith, rendered through the precise language of line and form. Its meaning, like all art, remains open to interpretation.