H. Johannes Chrysostomus 17th century

This engraving of Saint John Chrysostom was created by an anonymous artist and it presents a cultural moment of religious veneration. The image, with its oval frame and Latin inscription, signifies a specific visual and intellectual heritage. Made in a European context where religious figures were frequently depicted to inspire faith and moral conduct, the print’s cultural significance is rooted in the history of Christianity and the role of the church. Consider how the halo, the book, and the saint's vestments function as symbols of divinity, scholarship, and religious authority. By studying historical texts, theological documents, and artistic conventions of the time, we can interpret this image not merely as a portrait but as a cultural artifact reflecting the religious and social values of its era.