The Trinity 1550 - 1560

Cornelis Bos created this engraving of The Trinity in the mid-16th century. The image presents the Holy Trinity, with God the Father supporting the body of Christ, while the Holy Spirit as a dove hovers above. Angels holding the cross frame the central group. Bos was active in a time of religious upheaval during the Reformation in Northern Europe. His work reflects the visual codes and theological concerns of the period. The emphasis on Christ's suffering and sacrifice, as well as God’s compassion, speaks to contemporary debates about salvation, atonement and the role of the Church. Bos worked as a printmaker and publisher in Antwerp, a major center for artistic production. His prints circulated widely and helped to shape visual culture across Europe. Understanding the social conditions and religious controversies of the 16th century, the place of Antwerp and the development of the print market help to clarify the function and meaning of this image. Accessing historical sources, theological treatises, and the inventories of print shops, we can continue to learn more about the audiences for images like this.