St. Elizabeth of Hungary 1545 - 1619

This engraving, depicting St. Elizabeth of Hungary, was created by Hieronymus Wierix, a Flemish artist active during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Wierix produced this print during a period of religious and social upheaval marked by the Reformation and Counter-Reformation. Here, Elizabeth, a royal figure who chose a life of poverty and service, is shown giving alms to a child. Strikingly, she is depicted wearing a modest habit juxtaposed with a crown and halo. This contrast underscores the tension between earthly status and spiritual devotion that defined her life. Her downcast gaze directs our attention towards the act of charity. Note the book with another crown on top that she holds, symbolizing her education and status. Wierix's engraving invites us to consider how individuals navigate their identities within systems of power, and how personal choices can challenge prevailing social norms. It is an image that resonates with enduring questions about faith, compassion, and the possibilities of resistance, themes that continue to shape our understanding of history and ourselves.