The Prophet Habakkuk, from Prophets and Sibyls 1480 - 1490

"The Prophet Habakkuk" is an engraving by Francesco Rosselli, created in Italy sometime between 1482 and 1527. Rosselli lived during the Florentine Renaissance, a period of significant cultural and intellectual change, but also religious conflict. Here, Habakkuk, one of the Old Testament prophets, is presented, robed and hooded. He holds a book, a symbol of knowledge and prophecy, while the banner above proclaims his name. Rosselli’s choice to depict a prophet during this era speaks to the intertwined nature of religious faith and intellectual inquiry characteristic of the time. What does it mean to visualize faith? Rosselli’s Habakkuk appears as a figure of solemn contemplation. His expression and posture convey a sense of deep spiritual insight. Habakkuk invites us to reflect on the role of faith in our own lives, and in the broader context of societal values and beliefs.