H. Norbertus 1656

Paulus Pontius made this print of H. Norbertus sometime around the mid-17th century, a period defined by religious and political conflict. Here, Norbertus, a Catholic saint, is on his knees, almost in supplication, as angels hold a monstrance above him; this vessel would have contained the consecrated host, understood to be the body of Christ. Pontius's print exemplifies the role of religious imagery in shaping identity and belief during the Counter-Reformation. Consider the context: the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its authority, deploying art as a powerful tool. Prints like these weren't just devotional aids, but also propaganda, aimed to inspire faith and loyalty amidst the religious wars tearing through Europe. The emotional intensity is palpable, designed to move the faithful and reinforce religious doctrine, and establish what it means to be a 'true' believer. This print encourages viewers to internalize these values, but also invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in religious representation.