H. Willem van Aquitanië 1619 - 1672

Theodor van Merlen the second created this engraving of H. Willem van Aquitanië in the 17th century. The print depicts Saint William of Aquitaine, a complex figure whose life straddled the medieval worlds of nobility, faith, and military service. Consider the historical context: Van Merlen, working in the Dutch Golden Age, engages with religious and historical subjects, often reflecting the values of the Catholic Church in the Southern Netherlands. Saint William, originally a powerful duke, relinquished his titles to become a Benedictine monk, an act of profound social and spiritual transformation. The print emphasizes his religious identity, framing him within the visual language of sainthood. Yet, at his feet, the discarded armor reminds us of his previous life and the intersection of religious devotion and secular power. Van Merlen does not shy away from the emotional depth inherent in Saint William's story, inviting us to reflect on our own identities.