Petrus, Paulus en de Katholieke Kerk 1603

This 1603 engraving, titled "Petrus, Paulus en de Katholieke Kerk," depicts an allegorical representation of the Catholic Church. It is attributed to an anonymous artist. The artwork features Saint Peter and Saint Paul flanking the central figure of the Virgin Mary, who holds the infant Christ. The figure of the Church is seated on a throne and chained, symbolizing her strength and resilience despite persecution. At the bottom, a kneeling woman is surrounded by snakes, signifying the devil’s attempts to undermine her faith. The inscription on the plaque above them highlights the strength and endurance of the Church. This engraving, now in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the use of allegorical imagery in art during the early modern period.