The angel sending Cornelius for St. Peter 1582

This engraving by Philips Galle, made in the late 16th century, captures a biblical scene in exquisite detail. Galle was working during a time of great religious and political upheaval in Europe. The print depicts two scenes side by side: on the left, Cornelius, a Roman centurion, stands with a companion, engaged in conversation, while on the right, an angel appears before him, instructing him to seek out Saint Peter. Galle subtly weaves together the earthly and divine realms. In the context of the 16th century, images like these were instrumental in shaping religious identities. Galle's work serves as a powerful reminder of the intersection between faith, identity, and the socio-political landscape of his time. It invites us to reflect on the ongoing dialogue between the celestial and the human, a conversation that continues to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.