Artwork

Title Page for Pedro de Ribadineira and Heribert Rosweyde, Generale Legende der Heylighen

Title Page for Pedro de Ribadineira and Heribert Rosweyde, Generale Legende der Heylighen is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jan III Collaert. It dates from 1619 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jan III Collaert's 1619 engraving serves as the title page for 'Generale Legende der Heylighen' by Pedro de Ribadineira and Heribert Rosweyde, a compilation of saints' legends. The print is a densely populated, black-and-white composition.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving depicts a multi-layered scene. Atop, a crowned woman (likely a symbol of the Church or a heavenly figure) holds a globe, overseeing a manger scene below with a baby, angels, and robed figures. Some characters hold books or gesture upward, conveying reverence and divine connection. The image encapsulates the text's theme of collective saintly narratives.

Technique & Style

Executed in engraving on laid paper, the work showcases Collaert's mastery of this technique, characterized by intricate, precise lines. The busy yet orderly arrangement of figures reflects a theatrical, almost scenographic quality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1619 for 'Generale Legende der Heylighen', this engraving was designed to introduce a comprehensive collection of saints' legends by de Ribadineira and Rosweyde. Provenance details are not provided in the available information.

Context

The engraving's subject matter and style align with the early 17th-century Catholic revival in the Netherlands, where hagiographical works and religious art experienced a resurgence. The use of engraving facilitated widespread dissemination of such imagery.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of this title page are not provided, as a work by Jan III Collaert, it contributes to the broader appreciation of 17th-century Flemish engraving and the visual culture surrounding Catholic hagiography during this period.