Apostel Paulus c. 1590 - 1637

Egbert van Panderen created this engraving of the Apostle Paul sometime between 1610 and 1637. During this period, the Dutch Republic was asserting its independence and defining its cultural identity amidst religious and political upheaval. Here, Paul is presented with the attributes of both scholar and martyr, holding a book and a sword. The text at the bottom translates to "For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain", a quote that encapsulates Paul's total devotion. Consider the emotional weight carried by this image in its time. Paul's figure would have resonated deeply, embodying the struggles and resilience of a community grappling with questions of faith, authority, and self-determination. How might images like this have bolstered a sense of shared identity during times of conflict and uncertainty? The print invites us to reflect on the intersection between personal faith and collective identity.