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The Torture and Martyrdom of Jesuit Priests in a Dramatic Baroque Engraving
About the Item
The engraving is a dramatic depiction of Jesuit martyrs undergoing torture, likely during the period of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. Below is a detailed description and analysis of the print:
Analysis of Text:
The text at the bottom reads: "P. EDUARDUS OLCOYNIUS ende NICOLAUS OUDOENUS beijde van Societeit wordens op 't grouwelijckste ghespijnicht. Den eersten wort daernaer ghehangen. Den tweeden sterft onder het pijnen."
Translation: "Father Eduard Olcoynius and Nicolaus Oudoenus, both from the Society, are tortured in the most gruesome way. The first is subsequently hanged. The second dies during the torture."
The print shows a group of Jesuit priests being tortured. On the left side, a man lies on a wooden bench, possibly Father Nicolaus Oudoenus, showing signs of pain as he is being tormented. Another figure, dressed in a robe, is being hanged, likely Father Eduard Olcoynius. He is hoisted in the air by a rope tied to a gallows-like structure, with two muscular men pulling the rope, indicating the intensity of the act.
In the lower part of the composition, we see a friar seemingly still alive, while others are performing different forms of torture. This print vividly captures the brutal persecution of Jesuits during a tumultuous period in history, portraying them as martyrs who endure inhumane torture for their faith. The architectural elements, such as the prison bars and columns, suggest a dungeon or imprisonment setting, adding to the dramatic and sorrowful atmosphere of the scene.
Probable Maker and Source:
This engraving was likely created by Romeyn de Hooghe, a well-known artist of the late 17th century, who was famous for producing politically and religiously charged prints. The presence of the signature "Graef. Baniter fecit" suggests a lesser-known engraver might have executed it, though it's possible that this individual worked under the direction of a prominent master such as de Hooghe.
The subject matter, showing Jesuit martyrs, and the Dutch text indicate it could have been published as part of anti-Catholic or anti-Spanish propaganda during the period of the Eighty Years' War (1568-1648), a time of significant tension between Protestant and Catholic factions in the Netherlands. This period also saw an active publishing culture, with both religious and political engravings distributed widely to convey messages to the public.
Significance of the Engraving:
This engraving is a significant historical artifact for a number of reasons:
1. Religious and Political Context: It serves as an example of the depiction of the persecution of religious figures during the Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation. The Jesuits were often targeted, and such engravings played a role in swaying public opinion about Catholic oppression.
2. Artistic Representation: The composition and emotional intensity reflect the high drama typical of Baroque art, aimed at eliciting a strong reaction from the viewer. The details in the musculature of the torturers, the expressions of the victims, and the contrast between the architectural backdrop and the violence in the foreground make it a powerful visual statement.
3. Propaganda Tool: During this time, engravings like this one were used to evoke sympathy for religious martyrs and stir anti-oppressive sentiments against foreign powers, particularly Spain. It is likely that this print was distributed among Dutch Protestants to highlight the perceived cruelty of the Catholic rulers.
Late 17th century - Copper engraving on laid paper
This powerful Baroque engraving depicts the gruesome torture and martyrdom of Jesuit priests Eduard Olcoynius and Nicolaus Oudoenus, during the Dutch Revolt. The print illustrates various forms of torture, with Father Eduard Olcoynius being hanged while Father Nicolaus Oudoenus lies on a bench in agony. The dramatic expressions and tense physical actions of the torturers convey the intensity and horror of the scene. Engravings such as this were instrumental in shaping public sentiment during the Eighty Years' War, highlighting the persecution of religious figures. The architectural setting suggests imprisonment, adding to the dramatic impact.
Condition: Good, with some age-related toning, small margins, and minor creases.
Provenance: Likely part of a larger publication dealing with the persecution of Catholics or Jesuit martyrs in the Low Countries.
Significance: An important historical document of religious propaganda, illustrating the intense persecution of Jesuits during a period of religious conflict in Europe.
- Dimensions:Height: 11.42 in (29 cm)Width: 7.49 in (19 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:1680-1689
- Date of Manufacture:circa 1680
- Condition:Condition: Good, with some age-related toning, small margins, and minor creases, especially in the right border. Please study the images carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13894-31stDibs: LU3054342372232
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