H. Joris 1640 - 1670

Cornelis Schut created this print titled "H. Joris" sometime before his death in 1655. Schut lived during the Baroque era in Flanders, a period marked by religious and political conflict. This print depicts a scene of religious ecstasy, with figures ascending towards a heavenly vision. Dominating the scene is a figure of power or authority, positioned above the others, looking down at Saint George. The ascension of figures towards the heavens could relate to the period’s intense religious feelings and the Counter-Reformation’s emphasis on mystical experiences. What does it mean to reach for a divine ideal when the world around you is turbulent? The work conveys a sense of movement and drama, characteristic of Baroque art. The lines emphasize the emotional and spiritual intensity of the scene, inviting us to reflect on the interplay between earthly struggles and spiritual aspirations.