Anna van de H. Bartholomeus 1611 - 1647

Editor: So, this print is called "Anna van de H. Bartholomeus," dating from around 1611 to 1647 by Michel van Lochom. It's an engraving, an intaglio print, and I find it quite contemplative. There's a certain stillness about the figure. What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: Immediately, I consider the social context of religious imagery. Prints like this circulated widely, shaping public perception of sainthood. Notice how Anna is presented – the text at the bottom explicitly describes her virtues. Prints functioned almost like PR for the church. To what extent do you think these prints dictated or reflected the social climate regarding religious figures at the time? Editor: I hadn’t thought of it like that! I guess I assumed they just reflected existing beliefs. Are you saying they could also *create* beliefs or reinforce particular agendas? Curator: Precisely! These weren't neutral images. They were carefully crafted tools. Consider the artist, Michel van Lochom; who was his target audience? Which institution sponsored this artwork and how did those social relationships define the role this work would fulfill within the community? Editor: Wow, so many layers! It’s much more complex than I initially imagined. Curator: Indeed! How institutions use art, whether consciously or unconsciously, reveals a lot about their values and their relationship with the public. Art never exists in a vacuum. Editor: This has really opened my eyes to the political and social forces at play, even in seemingly devotional images. Thanks! Curator: And thank you for your observation. Understanding this interplay gives us a richer understanding of the piece's meaning and impact.