Apostel Paulus verantwoordt zich voor koning Herodes Agrippa II en Julia Berenice 1697

This engraving depicts the Apostle Paul defending himself before King Herod Agrippa II and Julia Berenice. Though the artist is unknown, the work invites us to consider the dynamics of power, faith, and identity within the context of early Christianity and the Roman Empire. In the scene, Paul, a figure of marginalized religious identity, stands before rulers embodying imperial authority. The presence of Julia Berenice, a woman of Jewish royal heritage, adds another layer to the complex intersection of gender, ethnicity, and power at play. Paul’s act of speaking truth to power represents an emotional challenge to the established order. This piece reflects a pivotal moment of cultural and religious transformation. It allows us to reflect on how individuals navigate faith and identity amid political tensions, mirroring struggles that continue to resonate today.