Pelgrimage van de heilige Norbertus 1622

Cornelis Galle I created this engraving, "Pilgrimage of Saint Norbert" sometime between the late 16th and mid-17th century. The image encapsulates the fervor of religious devotion and the very real experience of pilgrimage in the Netherlands during this period. The print depicts Saint Norbert, identifiable by his halo, engaging with a crowd of people; a range of reactions are visible, from supplication to curiosity. Norbert’s active role amidst the people highlights the Catholic Church’s emphasis on direct engagement with its followers. Consider how gender is portrayed here. The women are shown in a state of domesticity, one is seated, holding a child, while the men actively follow the saint, reflecting the social roles attributed to men and women at the time. The landscape, complete with a distant church, creates a sense of place, rooting the spiritual narrative in the physical world. This tangible connection would resonate with viewers, reinforcing the idea that faith and devotion were integral parts of daily existence. This print invites us to reflect on how religious narratives shape communal identity and personal experience.