The miracle of Saint Just, who stands at center holding his decapitated head in his hands with two onlookers 1639

Jan Witdoeck created this engraving titled 'The Miracle of Saint Just' sometime between 1615 and 1642. The image depicts Saint Just, who, according to Christian legend, continued to preach even after being beheaded during the Diocletian Persecution. Witdoeck here isn't just illustrating a religious story; he's diving into the complex dynamics of faith, power, and resistance. Consider the emotional weight of this image. Saint Just, a figure of defiance, literally holding onto his beliefs, even in death. The depiction of martyrdom also speaks to the social and political climate of the time, perhaps reflecting on the struggles of marginalized communities or the power of individual conviction against oppressive forces. The story of Saint Just offers a powerful narrative about the enduring strength of belief and the struggle for justice in the face of persecution.