Bavo Costerus Cleerbesem, opgebaard 1661 - 1666

Cornelis Visscher's "Bavo Costerus Cleerbesem, opgebaard" is a 17th-century etching depicting the deceased Bavo Costerus Cleerbesem. The artwork depicts him lying on a bier, with a crucifix and burning candles behind him. An angel above holds a crown, symbolizing Cleerbesem's transition to heaven. The etching, likely created between 1661 and 1666, exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age tradition of portraiture, where religious themes and biographical detail were intertwined. The artwork's sombre tone and intricate detail create a powerful image of mortality and faith, reflecting the cultural and religious values of the time.