Saint James the Lesser c. 1595

Curator: Zacharias Dolendo's "Saint James the Lesser," a roundel print dating to around the late 16th century, offers an intriguing depiction of the apostle. Editor: It's striking how Dolendo captures this figure. The textures, from the beard to the drapery, create a sense of solemnity. What about the placement of that saw? Curator: The saw is, of course, an attribute associated with St. James' martyrdom. Considering the socio-political climate in Europe at the time, the print perhaps served as a reminder of faith amidst persecution. Editor: The print underscores the role of religious imagery as a means of shaping societal values and political discourse. Thanks for illuminating this piece. Curator: Indeed. This was a great dialogue.