Apostel Tomas / Apostel Jakobus de Mindere Possibly 1616 - 1654

These engravings of Saint Thomas and Saint James the Less were created by Nicolaes Ryckmans. Note the halos above their heads, a classical symbol signifying holiness and divine grace, harking back to ancient sun worship. Thomas holds a spear, an attribute linked to his martyrdom, whilst James holds a club. These symbols, however, transcend mere identification; they embody the narrative of sacrifice and faith, deeply embedded in collective memory. The spear, a symbol of both violence and protection, finds echoes in classical iconography, such as the lance of Longinus, which pierced Christ's side. Likewise, the club connects to ancient agricultural symbols. These symbols echo through time, appearing in various contexts, continually reshaped by cultural needs and interpretations, reflecting our collective attempt to give form to intangible concepts of divinity and destiny. These images stir the depths of our subconscious, engaging viewers on a profound, emotional level, proving that, like the figures they depict, these symbols are eternal.