Catharina en Christus ruilen hun harten / Catharina kiest de doornenkroon / Catharina bezoekt een zieke vrouw op haar sterfbed 1597

This engraving, titled 'Catharina en Christus ruilen hun harten / Catharina kiest de doornenkroon / Catharina bezoekt een zieke vrouw op haar sterfbed', was created by Pieter de Jode I. The visual narrative unfolds in three parts: Catharina exchanging hearts with Christ, choosing the crown of thorns, and visiting a sick woman. Representations of female saints often served as powerful symbols that both reinforced and subtly challenged the expected roles of women in the 16th and 17th centuries. Catharina embodies piety and spiritual devotion, yet her actions—exchanging hearts with Christ and choosing the crown of thorns—suggest a level of agency and personal commitment that transcends passive observance. These images would resonate deeply with women seeking spiritual fulfillment. The emotional intensity of these scenes—Catharina’s tender exchange with Christ, and her compassion for the sick—draw viewers into a space of contemplation. This artwork invites us to consider the complex interplay between religious devotion, personal agency, and the societal expectations placed upon women during this period.