Filippus c. 1640 - 1680

Cornelis van Caukercken created this print, titled "Filippus," sometime in the 17th century. The composition draws us into a scene of intense emotion and physical strain, largely achieved through a strategic use of line and shadow. The subject, presumably the Apostle Philip, looks upwards, his face etched with deep lines that suggest suffering. He is shown carrying a heavy cross, its rough texture contrasting with the smoother surfaces of his face and hands. Note how Caukercken uses hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and texture, a technique common in engravings of this period. The upward gaze directs our eyes skyward, inviting reflection on the themes of faith, sacrifice, and redemption. This print not only showcases Caukercken’s technical skill but also participates in a broader cultural discourse about religious devotion and human suffering. The formal elements—line, texture, and composition—work together to convey a profound sense of emotional and spiritual weight.