Apostel Jakobus de Mindere (Judas Thaddeüs?) c. 1470 - 1491

Curator: Just look at this character! He strikes me as severe, thoughtful...maybe even a little bit melancholic? It’s all in the downturn of the mouth and the serious gaze. Editor: We're looking at an engraving here, made around 1470-1491, believed to be either the Apostle James the Less or Judas Thaddeus, attributed to Martin Schongauer and now housed in the Rijksmuseum. The use of line is incredible. Curator: Ah, a scholar or leader then, makes sense! I mean that pointing hand really demands attention and directs your gaze…the way his robes drape has a sculptural weight. It anchors the figure. What about that little box? A bible, perhaps? Editor: Undoubtedly! These kinds of objects weren't merely decorative; they were symbolic anchors. The book could definitely represent divine wisdom, study and reflection. His pointing gesture also signifies instruction and perhaps authority. Curator: Do you think he decided whether he would use horizontal or perpendicular lines when rendering shadow before committing to engraving or do you imagine it all comes out in one artistic act of fury? I mean he’s working subtractively into a plate in order to multiply images… he really only gets one shot right? Editor: One decisive, considered shot, I think. The density and direction of the lines are clearly very intentional. Notice how Schongauer varies the hatching to create different tonal values to give depth and form to the drapery, and create the effect of light on the Apostle. The attention to detail creates texture, adding to the image’s captivating solemnity. Curator: The way he renders the fabric… the folds are just so deliberate and stylized. It reminds me that this image probably wasn't meant to depict someone naturalistically, but was supposed to evoke some quality. Also did these prints have color at the time or are we now used to an idea that it should be muted based on the contemporary wear it presents. Editor: That’s fascinating. In those times, many prints *were* hand-colored, though it wasn't a universal practice and we tend to have fewer surviving examples because they would fade much more quickly. Looking at the conventions Schongauer employs, such as the apostle's idealized features and calm demeanor, gives us insight into the artistic and spiritual beliefs of the Northern Renaissance and demonstrates his commitment to representing important cultural figures as possessing inner fortitude. Curator: Beautifully stated! Now when I look at it, this isn't just an image of devotion, but really a profound meditation on dedication, resilience, and inner wisdom. I'm very impressed by that detail about coloration… Editor: I think these pieces remind us that images hold incredible cultural memories; each line and symbol connecting us to the hopes and concerns of generations past, like a long game of symbolic telephone across time.