Artwork

True Portraiture of the Jesuits and Priests from Vox Populi, by Thomas Scott

True Portraiture of the Jesuits and Priests from Vox Populi, by Thomas Scott is an ink print by the Baroque artist Crispijn van de Passe I. It dates from 1624 and is held in the collection of the Rosenwald Collection.

About this work

Overview

True Portraiture of the Jesuits and Priests from Vox Populi is a 1624 engraving attributed to Crispijn van de Passe I, though signed by Thomas Scott. The work depicts a bustling gathering of clergy.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving shows a crowded scene of Jesuits and priests engaged in a council meeting in England, as indicated by the inscription. Figures are shown in various states of engagement, with props like books, a cross, and a candle, conveying a sense of active deliberation.

Technique & Style

The artist employed sharp lines and nuanced shading to achieve depth, particularly in the textured rendering of the clerical robes. The level of detail extends to smaller elements such as rings and buttons.

History & Provenance

Created in 1624, the engraving is signed to Thomas Scott but attributed to the renowned engraver Crispijn van de Passe I. The provenance and ownership history beyond this attribution are not detailed in the provided sources.

Context

The work reflects the religious and possibly political tensions of its time, given the specific mention of Jesuits and their activities in England, a context where Catholic-Jesuit presence was controversial.

Legacy

The legacy of this specific engraving is not explicitly outlined in the provided information, though it contributes to the broader historical record of 17th-century religious life and the artistic techniques of the era.