Petrus, Paulus en de Katholieke Kerk 1618

This is an anonymous print, likely made in 1618 in Antwerp, that served as the title page for "Annales Ecclesiastici," a series of historical texts about the Catholic Church. Created during the Counter-Reformation, a period of intense religious and political upheaval, this image reflects the Catholic Church’s efforts to reassert its authority. In the print we see Saint Peter and Paul, two key figures in the Catholic tradition, flanking the title. Below, a chained figure is juxtaposed against a woman holding a cross, symbolizing the Church and its triumph over what it defines as heresy. This imagery is not just theological; it is deeply political, reflecting the power dynamics of the time and the Church’s active role in suppressing dissenting voices. The emotional weight of this piece lies in its stark portrayal of power and subjugation. It makes visible how religious institutions could use their authority to shape not just spiritual beliefs, but also social and political realities.