H. Johannes Capistranus en veertien voorstellingen uit zijn leven 1623

This engraving of H. Johannes Capistranus, surrounded by fourteen scenes from his life, was created by Antonio Tempesta in the late 16th or early 17th century. Capistranus was a 15th-century Franciscan friar known for his zealous preaching and role in the fight against the Ottoman Empire. Set against the backdrop of the burgeoning printing press and the Reformation, images like these became vital tools for the Catholic Church. They served as propaganda, reinforcing religious doctrine and celebrating the lives of saints, whose stories were meant to inspire faith and devotion. Tempesta's choice to depict Capistranus amidst scenes of miracles speaks to the period's deep-seated belief in divine intervention. These images highlight the emotional intensity of religious experience, offering a visual representation of the power of faith. Moreover, the print emphasizes the importance of religious figures in shaping cultural and political identities during a turbulent era. It embodies a potent blend of spiritual conviction and the complex politics of its time.