Apostel Jakobus de Mindere (Jacobus Minor) 1616 - 1636

This is Nicolaes Ryckmans's small 17th-century engraving, ‘Apostel Jakobus de Mindere’ or Jacobus Minor, held at the Rijksmuseum. The work presents a contemplative figure, defined by a play of light and shadow which models the apostle’s face and drapery. Note how the light falls softly from the left, accentuating the texture of the wood staff while casting the background into deep shadow. Ryckmans masterfully uses line to describe form, creating depth and volume within a limited tonal range. This work reflects the period's interest in portraying religious figures with a sense of humanism. The detailed rendering, especially in the face and hands, captures a sense of the apostle's inner life. Ryckmans's technical skill in engraving is evident in the precise, controlled lines that construct the image, indicative of broader philosophical trends exploring perception and representation. The print serves as a testament to the enduring power of art to transform cultural and philosophical thought.