Visioen van Heilige Augustinus 1628 - 1670

This is Pieter de Jode the Younger's, Vision of Saint Augustine, an engraving made in the Netherlands in the 17th century. It depicts Augustine of Hippo, a theologian whose writings shaped the development of Western Christianity. Augustine is presented in a moment of divine inspiration. Above, God the Father appears amidst clouds and angels, a symbol of the Holy Trinity displayed in the triangle. Below, figures react to Augustine's vision. The print reflects the cultural and religious context of the time, when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its authority through images that celebrated its saints and doctrines. Prints like these played a vital role in disseminating religious ideas, acting as visual aids for devotion and instruction, and for the institutions of the church. The inscription tells us that it was commissioned by a woman, Susanna van Dyck. Understanding this print requires us to consider not only its visual elements but also its place within a network of cultural, religious, and economic forces. Researching the histories of printmaking, religious orders, and patronage networks can help us understand the rich and complex life of this image.