Instelling van de broederschap Militia Angelica Thomae Aquinatis 1649

This engraving by Richard Collin commemorates the establishment of the Militia Angelica Thomae Aquinatis brotherhood. The print shows the investiture of members into this Catholic fraternity dedicated to the teachings of Thomas Aquinas. Made in the Netherlands, likely in the latter half of the 17th century, the image reflects the ongoing Counter-Reformation. Angels girding Aquinas with a sword and belt symbolize the virtues and the divine protection afforded to members. Note the Latin text which details the rules and regulations of the group. The scene below depicts the actual ceremony, emphasizing the social hierarchy of the time through the clothing and posture of the figures. As historians, we look at prints like these to understand the cultural values and social structures of the period. The Rijksmuseum's records, along with other historical documents, help us to piece together the story of this brotherhood and its place within the religious and political landscape of the Dutch Golden Age.