De heilige Norbertus eist de bezittingen van de kerk op 1622

This engraving, by Cornelis Galle I, captures a moment of high drama with sharp lines and stark contrasts between light and shadow. The symmetrical composition emphasizes the verticality of the figures and the architectural elements, creating a sense of formality and order, which evokes a feeling of hierarchical tension. At the heart of the scene is Saint Norbertus, demanding the possessions of the church back. The architecture provides a stage for the exchange, underlining the power dynamics at play. Galle skillfully uses linear perspective to draw our eyes to the horizon, where a distant building glows, bathed in sunlight. The banner held by Saint Norbertus acts as a visual and textual signifier of his divine authority. The image's structure serves to underscore themes of justice, power, and divine intervention, presenting the church as a defender against earthly corruption. This artwork offers insight into the religious and political ideologies of its time, revealing how even the smallest marks can convey deep-seated cultural values.