Portret van Johannes van Neercassel 1686

Evert van Sweinen made this print of Johannes van Neercassel around 1686. The portrait offers a window into the complex religious and political landscape of the Dutch Republic. Neercassel, as the Apostolic Vicar, was a central figure in the clandestine Catholic Church, navigating a society where Catholicism was practiced in the shadows. The print captures Neercassel in a moment of quiet authority, seated with a book, a symbol of knowledge and faith. But this image is more than a mere depiction; it's a statement of identity and resistance. The deliberate inclusion of religious iconography - the crucifix, the bishop's attire - speaks to a hidden identity. Consider the emotional weight carried by those who practiced their faith in secret. It is a potent reminder of the struggles for religious freedom and the quiet resilience of individuals in the face of societal pressure. The print serves as a historical document and an emblem of the enduring power of personal conviction.