Apostel Bartholomeüs c. 1588 - 1622

Jacques Granthomme etched Apostle Bartholomew, fixing the saint's gaze heavenward. This upward gaze, *l'occhio mobil*, echoes through art history. Consider the ancient depictions of ecstatic philosophers and prophets, their eyes rolling upwards in divine inspiration. We find this motif again and again— from the Hellenistic period to Bernini's Saint Teresa, caught in religious rapture. Here, Bartholomew’s face is bathed in light. Note the powerful emotional charge— a longing, perhaps, or anticipation of celestial union. This expression taps into our collective memory, a primal yearning for transcendence. It reminds us of Plato's cave, where the philosopher turns from the shadows to the light of true understanding. Thus, Bartholomew's upward gaze isn't just a stylistic choice but a profound symbol resonating with humanity’s enduring quest for meaning and connection to the divine. It serves as a timeless reminder of our spiritual aspirations.