Heilige Veronica met zweetdoek (sudarium) 1623 - 1660

This is Pieter de Bailliu's engraving of Saint Veronica with the sudarium, or veil, likely made in the mid-17th century in Antwerp. The legend of Saint Veronica, a woman who offered her veil to Jesus on his way to crucifixion, has been depicted by artists for centuries. Here, Veronica gazes heavenward, and presents the sudarium, bearing an imprint of Christ’s face. The cult of Veronica gained prominence in the context of the Counter-Reformation. The movement sought to reaffirm the importance of religious imagery and relics, as well as to emphasize personal, emotional connections to religious narratives, often focused on the suffering of Christ. De Bailliu’s engraving contributes to these aims. Note Veronica’s expression, she is positioned as a figure of compassion. She embodies piety for the faithful to emulate. The clarity of the face on the veil is intended to move the viewer, reinforcing the relic’s power. How does this image engage with themes of faith, suffering, and compassion?