Catharina vraagt paus Gregorius XI om terug te keren naar Rome / Christus verschijnt aan Catharina / Catharina verschijnt aan geleerden 1597

Pieter de Jode the Elder made this engraving, "Catharina Vraagt Paus Gregorius XI om Terug te Keren naar Rome," sometime between 1572 and 1634. It depicts Saint Catherine of Siena in three separate vignettes, all interacting with religious institutions or figures. Let's consider the context in which this print was produced. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Catholic Church faced numerous challenges. The Protestant Reformation had shattered its religious monopoly, and internal corruption had damaged its reputation. This print, like many others made at the time, served as a form of propaganda, reinforcing the Church's authority and highlighting the importance of obedience to its leaders. Notice how Catherine is depicted as a powerful intercessor, convincing the Pope to return to Rome and receiving divine visions. These images would have resonated with a society deeply rooted in religious belief, and sought to re-establish the Church as a strong social and political force. Historians consult letters, diaries, and institutional records to better understand artworks like this. By examining the social and institutional contexts in which art is made, we can gain a deeper understanding of its meanings and its role in shaping cultural values.