H. Rochus met een engel 1623 - 1672

This print of Saint Roch with an angel was made by an anonymous artist. The image presents Saint Roch, typically invoked against the plague, attended by an angel. The print reproduces a painting by Peter Paul Rubens, whose influence rippled through European art. It's crucial to remember that art in this period wasn't just about aesthetics; it served religious and social functions. Prints like these made art accessible beyond the elite, spreading religious iconography and reinforcing social values. Consider the patronage system of the time, where the church and wealthy individuals commissioned art to project power and piety. In our analysis, we can consult period documents, theological texts, and art market records to fully grasp the print's function and reception within its society. Art history, at its best, brings together visual analysis and social context, reminding us that art is always embedded in its own time.