Monstrans omringd door engelen 1628

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut, "Monstrans Surrounded by Angels," sometime between the late 16th and mid-17th centuries. It emerges from a period of intense religious conflict and the rise of print culture. The image depicts a monstrance, a vessel used to display the Eucharist, surrounded by angels. What strikes me is the emotional intensity conveyed through the figures' gestures and expressions. They invite the viewer into a space of contemplation and reverence. This piece reflects the period's deep religious sentiments and the Church's efforts to reinforce its spiritual authority amidst the Reformation. Looking at this print, consider the role of such imagery in shaping religious identity and experience during this time. How might it have influenced the viewer's understanding of faith and their place within the religious community? It serves as both a reflection of societal beliefs and a tool for shaping them.