Engelen met medaillons 1722

This is an engraving, "Engelen met medaillons," by François van Bleyswijck, a Dutch artist working in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The print, located at the Rijksmuseum, presents a complex emblem featuring angels holding medallions with biblical scenes. Engravings like this were often part of larger series, meant to illustrate religious texts. During this period in the Dutch Republic, the relationship between the divine and daily life was often explored through art. Here, the cherubic figures holding medallions connect earthly narratives to the divine. The choice of biblical scenes, combined with the allegorical figures, reflects the cultural and religious values of the time. Notice how the artist uses the angelic figures to convey ideas about faith, redemption, and divine intervention. The medallions themselves create small windows into historical and moral narratives. They encourage a dialogue between art history and personal faith. The print serves as a visual sermon, reminding us of the stories that shape our understanding of morality and existence.