H. Engelmundus van Engeland 1650

Cornelis Visscher created this engraving of H. Engelmundus van Engeland sometime between 1628 and 1658. Consider the history of religious representation and the Protestant Reformation in the Dutch Golden Age. Visscher’s artistic choices offer a window into the complex interplay between religious identity, cultural values, and artistic expression of the time. Note how Engelmundus is depicted with serene confidence, clutching a book, and a staff. He stands barefoot, directly on the ground, a sign of his devotion. Engravings like this one served not just as devotional objects but also as affirmations of cultural and religious identity during a period of significant transformation. The image reflects the intersection of faith, identity, and artistic representation in the Netherlands during the 17th century, echoing the emotional and spiritual landscape of the era.