De apostel Philippus en zijn martelaarschap 1510 - 1530

Allaert Claesz. created this print of the Apostle Phillip and his martyrdom in the mid-16th century. At its heart lies the image of St. Phillip holding a cross, which is his attribute as an apostle, yet our eye is drawn to the scene above, where St. Phillip is being crucified. The symbol of the cross has ancient roots, predating Christianity, and is a cosmic symbol representing the intersection of divine and earthly realms. It became associated with sacrifice through Christ. But in earlier pagan traditions, hanging from a tree was also a symbolic offering to the gods. Consider how these motifs reappear across cultures. The act of sacrifice, and the cross itself, has evolved, laden with shifting meanings. The image taps into a primal, emotional understanding of suffering and redemption. This deep-seated understanding is a testament to the enduring power of symbols to engage viewers on a subconscious level.