Monnik bedreigt twee duivels 1724

"Monnik bedreigt twee duivels" (Monk Threatens Two Devils), a 1724 etching by Jacob Gole, depicts a powerful monk confronting two horned devils. The monk holds aloft a cross, radiating an aura of spiritual authority, while the cowering devils are chained and appear to be retreating. This evocative image reflects the religious anxieties of the era, highlighting the pervasive belief in demonic forces and the protective power of faith. The etching, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, serves as a testament to Gole's skillful rendering of both human and monstrous forms, exemplifying the Dutch Baroque style's penchant for dramatic narratives and religious themes.