De heilige Paulus 1712 - 1786

This engraving depicts Saint Paul, his likeness captured with ink on paper by Giovanni Marco Pitteri. Note the apostle’s intense gaze and the scroll he clutches. These symbols, deeply rooted in Christian iconography, speak volumes about Paul's identity and mission. The scroll, often seen in depictions of Paul, signifies his epistles, the foundational letters of Christian doctrine. This motif harkens back to ancient Roman traditions, where scrolls were symbols of knowledge and authority. Consider how the scroll appears in classical depictions of philosophers, their wisdom passed down through written word. Yet, here, the scroll is not merely an object; it's a testament to Paul's profound impact on shaping Christian theology. Paul’s letters have reverberated through history, influencing art, literature, and the very fabric of Western thought. The cyclical progression of symbols like these reminds us that the past is not a static entity. It resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts.