Reliëf van Christus en de twaalf apostelen van de San Marco in Venetië before 1885

Carl Heinrich Jacobi captured this image of a relief from San Marco in Venice, sometime after his birth in 1824, using photography. The relief depicts Christ and the twelve apostles, central figures in Christian faith and tradition. Consider how the relief embodies the power and authority of the church, and its role in shaping cultural identities and values. How are these figures represented? Do they conform to traditional representations or do they offer alternative narratives? Note the expressions and gestures of Christ and the apostles, reflecting their spiritual roles and the emotional connection between them. Consider the historical and cultural context of Venice, a city with a rich history of trade, cultural exchange, and religious devotion, and ask yourself how the piece reflects societal issues. Reflect on the personal and collective dimensions of faith, identity, and belonging.