Wonderbaarlijke genezingen door de kapucijn Marcus van Aviano te Antwerpen, 1681 1681

This print from 1681 depicts the miraculous healings performed by the Capuchin friar Marcus of Aviano in Antwerp. Made during a time of religious fervor, this work reflects the intersection of faith, power, and public spectacle in 17th-century Europe. While the artist remains anonymous, the print speaks volumes about the cultural significance of religious figures and their perceived ability to intervene in the lives of ordinary people. Note how the friar's raised hand is directing the healing. Consider the gendered aspects of this scene. Women are prominently featured among the afflicted, attended by children, emphasizing the era's societal expectations and the vulnerabilities of women and children. The print perpetuates traditional narratives of male religious authority, while it also highlights the desperation and hope of those seeking relief from suffering. Ultimately, this print offers a glimpse into the complex relationship between faith, healing, and the social hierarchies of the time, revealing both the promises and the limitations of divine intervention in the face of human suffering.