Portret van Phillipus Evans 1679

This engraving by Alexander Voet the Younger depicts Phillipus Evans, a Jesuit priest, immortalizing him through the symbolic language of his time. Encircling his portrait are the words "Iesu Sacerdos," identifying Evans as a priest of the Society of Jesus, framing him as a man of faith and devotion. Below the portrait, we see the "IHS" Christogram, a symbol deeply rooted in Christian iconography. Encircled by a wreath, it represents Jesus's name. This symbol has appeared throughout history, from ancient catacombs to Renaissance paintings, each time carrying the weight of Christian tradition. Its use reflects the psychological power of symbols to evoke profound emotions and spiritual connections. Note the inscription "Fidei odio suspensus et dissectus," marking Evans's martyrdom. Such imagery serves as a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of religious and political conflict, and how symbols of faith are continually reinterpreted in new historical contexts.