H. Ambrosius 1675 - 1711

This engraving of H. Ambrosius, or Saint Ambrose, was created by an anonymous artist and is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Ambrosius, who lived in the 4th century, was a towering figure in the early Christian church, celebrated for his intellectual prowess and moral leadership. He served as the Bishop of Milan and was also a teacher of Saint Augustine. The image captures Ambrosius in a moment of scholarly pursuit, quill in hand, surrounded by books and symbols of his ecclesiastical office. The print, made long after his death, speaks to the enduring legacy and importance of religious figures like Ambrosius. Representations such as this, play a crucial role in shaping collective memory and in constructing the narratives through which we understand our history and cultural values. This anonymous engraving invites us to reflect on how powerful figures from the past continue to influence our present.