Het visioen van de heilige Ignatius van Loyola 1630 - 1633

This is Cornelis Bloemaert's engraving, "The Vision of Saint Ignatius of Loyola," created sometime between 1603 and 1684. It reflects the intense religious environment of the 17th century, marked by the conflicts of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation. Bloemaert situates Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuit order, in a moment of divine revelation. We see Jesus, bearing the cross, accompanied by God the Father, and a multitude of angels. Ignatius kneels, embodying humility and devotion, his gaze fixed on the vision. The engraving vividly conveys the intense spiritual experiences that were central to the lives of religious figures. Bloemaert’s work served not only as a devotional image but also as a powerful statement of faith, reinforcing the doctrines of the Catholic Church amidst religious and political upheaval. It invites us to reflect on the intersection of faith, power, and personal experience during a tumultuous period in European history.