Apostel Filippus / Apostel Bartolomeüs Possibly 1616 - 1654

These prints, made by Nicolaes Ryckmans around the start of the 17th century, depict the apostles Phillip and Bartholomew. Note the symbols each carries: Phillip is seen with the cross, a clear allusion to Christ's crucifixion, which is a symbol of faith and sacrifice. Bartholomew is often represented holding a knife, referring to the instrument of his martyrdom. Interestingly, the cross is also used across cultures and predates Christianity, as a symbol of the intersection of the divine and earthly realms. Meanwhile, the knife can be seen as a symbol of transformation, and rebirth. Consider how these symbols connect to our collective memory. The sight of the cross or knife evokes emotional and psychological responses within us. These images persist, evolving through history, yet retain echoes of their original power. The progression of these symbols is not linear but cyclical, constantly resurfacing and taking on new meanings through time.