Johannes de Evangelist 1625 - 1670

Mattheus Borrekens created this print of John the Evangelist in the 17th century, a period marked by the powerful influence of the Catholic Church in the Netherlands. Borrekens’s print reflects the Church’s agenda, visually reinforcing its religious teachings and social norms. The image creates meaning through the visual codes of the time, like the saint’s humble bare feet that contrast with the imposing architecture in the background. Prints like these were often commissioned by religious institutions to spread their message, and this one may have been intended to inspire reverence among the faithful, but we need to consider the economics of artistic production to fully appreciate this work. Who was Borrekens trying to impress? Which institutions helped him to develop his technique? By studying such prints, we can gain insight into the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in the 17th-century Netherlands.