Aartsengel Michaël en de heilige Drie-eenheid by Johann Sadeler I

Aartsengel Michaël en de heilige Drie-eenheid

1591

Johann Sadeler I's Profile Picture

Johann Sadeler I

1550 - 1601

Location

Rijksmuseum
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Artwork details

Medium
print, engraving
Dimensions
height 483 mm, width 324 mm
Location
Rijksmuseum
Copyright
Rijks Museum: Open Domain

Tags

#allegory#print#old engraving style#mannerism#figuration#history-painting#engraving

About this artwork

Johann Sadeler I created this engraving, "Aartsengel Michaël en de heilige Drie-eenheid," sometime around the late 16th century. During this period, religious art was used as a powerful tool to communicate theological ideas. In this piece, Sadeler visualizes the Holy Trinity alongside the Archangel Michael. The composition depicts a hierarchy, with God the Father and Jesus Christ enthroned above, and Michael standing triumphantly below. The artist employs a visual language deeply rooted in religious doctrine, reinforcing the Church’s teachings about divine power and order. Notice that Michael wields a sword, which is traditionally associated with justice. The Holy Trinity, rendered in detailed engraving, sits amidst a heavenly host of angels. Considering the historical and social context in which Sadeler was working, this artwork can be understood as more than a simple depiction of religious figures; it embodies the religious and political tensions of the time. "Aartsengel Michaël en de heilige Drie-eenheid" invites us to reflect on the intersection of faith, power, and artistic expression.

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