Portret van Thomas à Kempis 1719

This engraving, titled "Portret van Thomas à Kempis", was created by Dutch artist Frederick Bloemaert in 1719. The portrait depicts Thomas à Kempis, a German Catholic priest and author known for his book "The Imitation of Christ". The artwork shows a close-up view of à Kempis holding a book, likely a copy of his famous work, and the inscription below identifies him as a canon of the Augustinian order. The piece was created in the Baroque style, known for its dramatic contrasts of light and shadow and the use of realistic detail. The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam currently holds this historical portrait, offering a glimpse into the life and legacy of one of the most influential figures in Christian spirituality.