Apostel Matteüs / Apostel Simon Possibly 1616 - 1654

Editor: This is a combined engraving and etching print of Apostles Matthew and Simon by Nicolaes Ryckmans, likely from sometime in the mid-17th century. The two men, each identified beneath their image, are strikingly serious. They also bear halos and carry significant objects, Matthew a T-square, Simon a book and a compass. How might we interpret the use of such potent symbolism here? Curator: The potent symbolism speaks volumes. Each attribute identifies and conveys the essence of the Apostle it is assigned to. Matthew, with the T-square, often represents divine order, the geometric underpinnings of creation. And Simon, with the book and compass, symbolizes wisdom and the measurement of truth through scripture and perhaps even a broader philosophical perspective. Editor: So, these aren’t just identifiers but symbols of the ideas they represent? Curator: Precisely! Consider how halos—simple circles—visually signal sanctity and enlightenment. Ryckman doesn't just depict the Apostles, he encodes their significance within a visual language familiar to his contemporary viewers. Can you see how their placement together speaks to an underlying connection? Editor: Yes, placing Matthew alongside Simon suggests that perhaps divine inspiration and philosophical pursuit are linked and can be harmonized? Curator: Exactly. They engage in a silent dialogue across time, offering complementary perspectives on faith and reason. They were probably created together and are parts of something larger. Editor: It's amazing how much cultural weight a simple image can carry! Curator: Indeed, each element reflects beliefs, values, and stories, resonating long after its creation. Thinking about images in this way reveals much about a work’s enduring power.