Heilige Willibrord 1609

Jacob Matham's 1609 etching "Heilige Willibrord" depicts the titular saint, Willibrord, holding a model of a church. Willibrord, an English missionary, was the first bishop of Utrecht, and he is credited with the evangelization of the Netherlands. The artwork is a fine example of 17th-century Dutch printmaking, known for its detailed and expressive style. The etching's composition is balanced, with the saint standing in the center, and the surrounding details, such as the cross and the barrels, add depth and context. The image is a valuable representation of the history and religious beliefs of the Dutch Golden Age, highlighting the influence of saints and their role in society.