Nis met de heilige Franciscus en de heilige Dominicus 1610

This undated engraving by an anonymous artist, now in the Rijksmuseum, depicts Saint Francis and Saint Dominic with an altar. The figures are arranged in a formal, symmetrical composition that evokes a sense of religious order. This work reflects the visual culture of the Catholic Church and the importance of these saints within its institutional framework. Francis and Dominic founded influential religious orders that played a key role in shaping religious life. The ‘Porta Thesauri’ translates as ‘Door of Treasures’ and the engraving may relate to the artistic treasures of a particular church or order. To fully understand this engraving, one could consult historical texts about the Franciscan and Dominican orders, as well as inventories of church art from the period. The meaning of this artwork is tied to its religious and institutional context, as it represents the values and beliefs of the Catholic Church and the specific orders associated with these saints.