H. Apollonia 1586 - 1650

"H. Apollonia" is an engraving by Cornelis Galle I, a prominent Flemish artist known for his prints. Dating back to 1586-1650, the artwork depicts Saint Apollonia, a Christian martyr, holding a tooth-shaped object, likely referencing her martyrdom by tooth extraction. The composition features a serene landscape, with a small tree and a distant cityscape in the background. Two cherubs holding a laurel wreath appear above, symbolizing Apollonia's heavenly reward for her faith. This piece exemplifies Galle's mastery of detail and his ability to capture the solemnity and reverence of religious subjects. It is now housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, and is a valuable example of 17th-century printmaking.