Leven van de heilige Albertus 1604

This unsigned print depicts the life of Saint Albert of the Carmelites and was likely made in the Netherlands. Albert was an Italian Carmelite friar who lived in the 13th century. This print illustrates various episodes from his life and miracles attributed to him within the context of the Carmelite order. Surrounding the central image of Albert are smaller scenes that narrate his life story. Such images played a crucial role in shaping religious devotion and promoting the values of the Carmelite order in the Netherlands. The composition, with its detailed engravings and Latin inscriptions, serves as both a visual narrative and a form of religious instruction. Analyzing prints like these requires looking into archival sources, and the history of religious orders in the Netherlands. Only then can we fully understand the social and cultural forces that shaped their production and reception.