Jesus and St. John embracing, with Cherubs 1646

Wenceslaus Hollar created this engraving of Jesus and St. John embracing, with Cherubs, in the 17th century. Its visual language reflects religious and social structures of the time. Made in Europe during the Baroque era, the image reflects a period marked by religious fervor and the Counter-Reformation. Depicting Jesus and St. John as cherubic children, their embrace can be seen as an intimate moment of divine affection, reinforcing the church’s emphasis on love and compassion. The surrounding cherubs and the lamb add to the imagery. In this context, Hollar's print served a devotional function, intended for private contemplation and religious instruction. Examining prints like this one, historians consult period religious texts, social commentaries, and institutional records of the time to deepen our understanding of the complex interplay between art, faith, and society.