Johannes de Evangelist 1671 - 1672

Gilles Rousselet created this print of John the Evangelist sometime in the 17th century. The image presents John, a key figure in Christian tradition, in a moment of divine inspiration. He's depicted with his traditional attribute, the eagle, as he writes his Gospel. Prints like this one circulated widely in 17th-century Europe. They played a crucial role in disseminating religious and artistic ideas. France at this time was a deeply religious society, and the Catholic Church was a major patron of the arts. Rousselet, as an engraver, operated within this system, producing images that reinforced religious doctrine and the Church's authority. The print is an example of the conservative artistic trends that prevailed under the patronage of the Church. Understanding this artwork means looking beyond its surface. We can look into the social and religious context in which it was produced and received. By consulting historical archives, religious texts, and art historical scholarship, we can understand the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in 17th-century France.