Heilige Dominicus met andere heiligen 1611

This engraving of Saint Dominic with other saints was created in 1611 by Theodoor Galle. Galle was part of a family of artists in Antwerp, a city that was then a hub of Catholic art during the Counter-Reformation. This work is a testament to the cultural and religious climate of the time, emphasizing the importance of saints within the Catholic tradition. Encircling Dominic are vignettes of other saints, each representing different aspects of religious devotion and virtue. It acts as a visual compendium of sainthood, reinforcing the values of the Church. The image presents a carefully constructed hierarchy, reflecting the social and religious order of the period. Positioned centrally, Saint Dominic is flanked by other figures, creating a sense of community and shared belief, but also underscoring his primary importance. Ultimately, this engraving is not just a religious image; it’s a window into the past, revealing the ways in which faith, identity, and social structures were intertwined in the 17th century.