H. Jacobus der Meerdere c. 1596

Zacharias Dolendo created this engraving of Saint James the Greater, sometime around the turn of the 17th century in the Netherlands. Note how he carries the symbols of pilgrimage, the staff and the scallop shell, signifiers of his patronage of pilgrims. Dolendo worked during a fascinating period in Dutch history; the Northern Netherlands was in revolt against Spanish rule. The war with Spain had a huge effect on cultural life, as cities became centers of religious tolerance, and a flourishing artistic culture. The Rijksmuseum holds a wealth of prints like this, often part of larger series, they were traded and collected. This image, like so many others produced at the time, reflects a society in transition, exploring its own identity through images of religion, nationhood, and everyday life. Understanding this history helps us interpret its symbolism and meaning.