Heilige Jakobus de Meerdere 1639 - 1670

This is Petrus Clouwet’s etching of Saint James the Greater. The saint's radiant halo marks his divine status, but it is the pilgrim's staff that tells a deeper story. The staff, topped with a gourd for water, is more than a tool for walking. It's a symbol of spiritual journey, echoing the travels of hermits and wanderers throughout history. Consider its connection to the caduceus of Hermes, a symbol of transitions and boundaries overcome. The image of the traveler resonates across cultures, signifying not just physical movement, but also inner transformation. The act of pilgrimage is as old as civilization itself. It transcends literal travel; it becomes a metaphor for the human search for meaning and transcendence. The staff, therefore, is a potent symbol, charged with centuries of collective striving. It is a cultural object that touches us on a subconscious level, reminding us of our own journeys.