Maria neemt de Jezuïeten in bescherming 1642

Michel Dorigny created this print, "Maria Neemt de Jezuïeten in Bescherming," sometime in the 17th century. The Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits, was a powerful and sometimes controversial Catholic order during this time. Here, Dorigny depicts Mary, the mother of Jesus, interceding on behalf of the Jesuits, who are shown below her, gazing upwards. Above, God and Jesus preside over a celestial scene filled with angels. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping religious and political identities during the Counter-Reformation. The Jesuits, often at the forefront of missionary work and education, sought to reaffirm Catholic doctrine and piety amidst the rise of Protestantism. The emotional intensity of the scene—the Jesuits' hopeful gazes, Mary's compassionate gesture—invites viewers to align themselves with the Catholic cause. How do you think Dorigny's portrayal of Mary, positioned between the earthly and divine realms, influences our understanding of her power and the role of the Jesuits in society?