Apostel Paulus gestenigd en weggesleept 1697

This small, anonymous engraving from an unknown date, titled "Apostle Paul Stoned and Dragged Away," captures a violent biblical scene. The composition is dominated by dynamic lines and stark contrasts, typical of graphic prints from the period. A group of figures encircles the fallen Apostle Paul, their gestures and the sharp angles of the stones creating a sense of chaotic energy. The artist skillfully uses the stark, black lines to define form and texture. The composition, tightly packed and centered, intensifies the drama. The contrast between light and shadow heightens the emotional impact, drawing the viewer's eye to the central figure of Paul. The work embodies a struggle between belief and persecution. The formal elements—the harsh lines, the compressed space, and the dramatic contrast—serve to underscore the thematic tension. These graphic elements, while illustrating a biblical story, also participate in a broader cultural discourse about faith, violence, and martyrdom.