Apostel Petrus c. 1590 - 1637

Egbert van Panderen created this engraving of the Apostle Peter in the early 17th century. At this time, the Dutch Republic was asserting its Protestant identity against the Catholic Spanish Empire, a struggle that was deeply personal and political. Van Panderen's Peter isn't the triumphant founder of the Catholic Church; instead, he appears world-weary, burdened by the weight of his faith. The keys he holds, traditionally symbols of his authority, seem almost too heavy. His gaze is averted, perhaps suggesting a moment of doubt or introspection. The Latin inscription speaks of faith and martyrdom, reminding us of Peter's human vulnerability and ultimate sacrifice. Through the fine lines of the engraving, we can sense the complex relationship between religious conviction and human experience during a period of intense social and religious change. This Peter invites us to consider the personal dimensions of faith amid the grand narratives of history.