Latin Cross with Birds and Smaller Motifs 1614 - 1619

Jacques Hurtu made this engraving titled "Latin Cross with Birds and Smaller Motifs" sometime in the early 17th century. This was a period of intense religious conflict in Europe, a conflict that shaped the production and reception of art. In France, where Hurtu lived, the Catholic Church was a powerful institution and religious imagery was common. But this Latin cross is not simply a devotional image. It is also a design for an object, perhaps a piece of jewelry or a decorative element for a larger work. The inclusion of birds, fruit, and other motifs suggests a celebration of nature and the bounty of the earth. Hurtu’s cross reflects the complex social and political forces at play in his time. Art historians can research the context in which it was made. By studying the religious, economic, and social conditions of 17th-century France, we can gain a deeper understanding of the meanings and significance of this image.