Visioen van de heilige Dominicus 1611

Theodoor Galle created this engraving, "Vision of Saint Dominic", around the turn of the 17th century. Galle worked in Antwerp, then a hub of Counter-Reformation art, where artists visualized Catholic doctrine, often with an intensity aimed to inspire piety. Here, Saint Dominic kneels in a landscape, his arms open to the heavens. Above him, the Virgin Mary stands on a cloud, sheltering a crowd of figures under her cloak. This illustrates a vision granted to Saint Dominic, revealing the protection Mary offers to the Dominican order. Consider the emotional appeal here. Galle creates a direct link between the earthly and the divine, with Dominic as the conduit. There is a sense of comfort in the idea of being enfolded within Mary’s cloak, safe from the world. Notice how the Virgin Mary is presented as a figure of power and refuge; she is both Queen of Heaven, crowned with stars, and a maternal protector. Galle's engraving reflects a society grappling with religious upheaval. It is both a devotional image and a political statement, reinforcing the importance of the Catholic Church and its saints, while offering solace and a promise of protection.