Engel met het zwaard van Petrus, de geldbuidel van Judas en een toorts 1580 - 1600

Johann Sadeler I created this engraving, "Angel with the sword of Peter, the purse of Judas and a torch," sometime between 1550 and 1601. Sadeler, working amidst the religious tensions of 16th-century Europe, presents us with a complex figure embodying both divine grace and human fallibility. The angel, rendered with delicate lines, is surrounded by potent symbols: Peter's sword, representing faith and defense; Judas's purse, emblematic of betrayal and greed; and a torch, perhaps signifying enlightenment or divine judgment. This juxtaposition invites us to contemplate the dualities within human nature and the consequences of moral choices. The angel's androgynous features challenge traditional gender norms, hinting at a fluidity of identity. I'm moved by the piece's melancholic tone, reflecting the uncertainty of an era marked by religious conflict and social upheaval. It serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles inherent in navigating faith, morality, and identity.