Genezing van de schoonmoeder van Petrus 1598 - 1618

This engraving, "Genezing van de schoonmoeder van Petrus," or "The Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law," was created by Jacques de Bie around the early 17th century. It depicts a biblical scene, a popular subject during the Counter-Reformation, reflecting the period’s renewed focus on religious themes. Here, we see Christ healing Peter's mother-in-law, surrounded by onlookers. What might this scene tell us about gender roles and expectations of women during the 17th century? The sick woman is rendered as passive, lying in bed, dependent on the men around her for salvation. The focus on her illness and subsequent healing reinforces the perception of women as weak and vulnerable, both physically and spiritually. Consider how De Bie’s artistic choices reflect the social norms of his time. His work invites us to reflect on the enduring ways in which gender, health, and faith intersect, shaping both individual experiences and broader cultural narratives.