Heilige Franciscus Xaverius 1643 - 1660

This engraving by Mattheus Borrekens depicts Saint Francis Xavier, a Spanish Jesuit missionary who traveled to Asia in the 16th century. The portrait, created sometime between 1643 and 1660, is a classic example of Baroque art, featuring a dramatic use of light and shadow to emphasize the saint's spiritual presence. Francis Xavier is shown in profile, his hands clasped in prayer, and a halo emanating from his head. The use of an oval frame, a popular feature of Baroque portraiture, further draws the viewer's attention to the subject. This work, now in the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into the reverence for religious figures during the 17th century, particularly in the context of early missionary work.