Judas Taddeüs c. 1640 - 1680

Cornelis van Caukercken created this engraving of Judas Thaddeus in the 17th century. Van Caukercken, a Flemish artist, lived in a society deeply shaped by religious and political conflicts, particularly the tensions between the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation. This depiction of Judas Thaddeus, one of Jesus's apostles, is not just a religious portrait but also an embodiment of masculinity and authority. His piercing gaze and the book he holds suggest wisdom and knowledge, reinforcing the power associated with religious figures. The use of light and shadow adds to the emotional depth, creating a sense of gravitas. Portrayals like this one can maintain traditional power structures by reinforcing the dominance and importance of male religious figures, however, they also offer a personal connection to faith. The portrait invites contemplation on the personal dimensions of belief, reflecting the complex interplay between societal expectations and individual experiences of faith.