H. Nicolaas van Myra en een vrouwelijke heilige 1660

Lucas Vorsterman the Younger created this print, "H. Nicolaas van Myra en een vrouwelijke heilige," sometime during his short career in the 17th century. The print depicts Saint Nicholas of Myra alongside an unidentifiable female saint, a pairing which offers a glimpse into the religious and social dynamics of the time. Prints such as this one were often commissioned by the Catholic Church as a way to promote certain figures or as devotional aids. The representation of both a male and female saint raises questions about the roles and status of women within the church and society. While Saint Nicholas is portrayed in traditional vestments of power and authority, the female saint is shown holding a staff and what appears to be a book, symbols which may denote wisdom or leadership. Does the print challenge or reinforce conventional gender roles of the time? What does it mean to see these two figures together, and what does their shared presence suggest about the religious values and beliefs of the period?