Crucifixion of Simon the Zealot, Syria, AD 70 1685

Jan Luyken created this print, "Crucifixion of Simon the Zealot, Syria, AD 70" in the late 17th century. It reflects a period of religious and political upheaval in Europe, a time marked by the rise of Protestantism and conflicts between different religious factions. Luyken, a Dutch engraver and painter, was deeply religious. His beliefs are evident in the emotional intensity of this piece. Simon was, according to the Bible, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. This print doesn't shy away from the brutal realities of crucifixion, emphasizing its role as a tool of power against those who challenged Roman authority. The act of crucifixion was not just a means of execution but a public display intended to intimidate and suppress dissent. Here, Luyken invites us to reflect on the human cost of ideological conflict, on the ways in which faith, identity, and power intersect. This print captures a moment frozen in time, but its implications resonate across centuries.