Portret van Ignatius van Loyola 1580

This engraving of Ignatius of Loyola was created in 1580 by Johann Sadeler I, and is now held in the Rijksmuseum. The composition is strikingly simple: a profile of Loyola set against a densely hatched background, creating a contrast that throws his figure into sharp relief. Notice how the lines are meticulously rendered, building up tone and texture with remarkable precision. The hatching not only defines form but also evokes a sense of depth and shadow. Sadeler uses line to explore Loyola's spiritual intensity. His hands are clasped in prayer before a crucifix, the beads of his rosary cascading down. These elements combine to create a powerful statement about faith and devotion in the context of the Counter-Reformation. Consider the formal structure here: how does the linear quality of the engraving underscore the theological precision of the Jesuit order? The artwork doesn't simply depict Loyola; it embodies a set of beliefs and a way of seeing the world.