Saint Jean 1726

Edmé Jeaurat created this print of Saint John in France, sometime around 1700, using etching and engraving. Prints like this circulated widely and cheaply in early modern Europe, shaping popular religious belief. Here, Saint John holds a chalice, and a halo floats above his head, signifying his holiness. The inscription below translates to: 'We have passed through fire, but you have placed us in a place of refreshment'. This may refer to the trials of religious faith in a time of persecution. How are we to understand this image today? As historians, we are interested in understanding how art creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Old prints like this offer a glimpse into the complex social world of early modern Europe. They reflect and comment on the social structures of their time, and they provide insights into popular culture and religious belief.