Saints Simon the Zealot and Jude ThaddeusFrom the 'Apostles in Pairs' series 1467

This engraving, 'Saints Simon the Zealot and Jude Thaddeus,' part of the 'Apostles in Pairs' series, presents a compelling study in contrasts. The anonymous artist uses finely etched lines to depict the saints within an elaborate architectural frame. The composition is striking. Simon on the left, burdened with a large cross, stands opposite Jude, who holds a book. The intricate gothic architecture with its ornate tracery, contrasts with the simplicity of the figures, creating a dialogue between the sacred and the structural. The saw, Jude’s attribute, is rendered with sharp precision, adding a tactile quality to the image. The absence of color focuses our attention on form and line. The artist uses hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and shadow, lending a sculptural quality to the figures. The contrast between light and dark enhances the emotional intensity, drawing us into a space of contemplation. Note that the artist uses line to suggest the divine light of the halo, rather than depicting it directly. This emphasizes not only the ethereal nature of divinity, but also adds to the overall symbolic richness of the image.