Jan Baptist van Baëza 1630 - 1677

Adriaen Lommelin created this print of Jan Baptist van Baëza. Baëza was a Jesuit missionary who died of hunger and hardship in a cave outside Nagasaki, Japan. During the 17th century, the Jesuit order was experiencing intense persecution in Japan, leading to the martyrdom of many of its members. Lommelin's print offers insight into the intersection of religious devotion, colonial expansion, and cultural conflict. Baëza is depicted resting, with a cross against his body, a symbol of his faith and sacrifice. The setting is a rugged cave, emphasizing his isolation and the harsh conditions he endured. The print creates a narrative that invites contemplation on faith, suffering, and cultural exchange, reflecting the complex dynamics between Europe and Japan during this period. The work leaves us to reflect on the impact of religious and cultural encounters on individual lives.