Heilige Aphtonis van Alexandrië after 1636

"Heilige Aphtonis van Alexandrië" is an etching created by Dutch artist Frederick Bloemaert after 1636. The artwork depicts Saint Aphtonius of Alexandria, a fourth-century Christian saint, kneeling in prayer while holding a lion by the mane. This image, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, showcases Bloemaert's skill in depicting both human and animal figures with intricate detail. The print's small size adds to its intimate portrayal of the saint's devotion and the strength of faith, as seen in his gentle control over the powerful animal. This artwork is an excellent example of Dutch Baroque art and its emphasis on religious themes and skillful representation of the human form.