St. Bavo, from the series Saints of North and South Netherlands

Art Historical Context

This striking engraving and etching from 1650 portrays Saint Bavo, a revered figure from the Low Countries, as part of a series celebrating saints from both the northern and southern Netherlands. Created through the collaborative efforts of Pieter Soutman and Cornelis Visscher, the print measures just over 17 by 11 inches and exemplifies the refined techniques of Dutch Golden Age printmaking. The combination of engraving and etching allowed for intricate details and tonal depth, making religious imagery accessible to a broader audience beyond the church walls. In the mid-17th century, such series played an important role in preserving regional Catholic heritage amid the religious divisions of the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Netherlands. Saint Bavo, often shown with symbolic attributes like a sword and birds as seen in the tags, represents themes of conversion and solitude that resonated with viewers of the time. These prints served both devotional and educational purposes, helping to connect local communities with their shared spiritual history. Today, this work in the Metropolitan Museum’s collection highlights the enduring power of print to transmit cultural and religious narratives across centuries. Its acquisition through the Elisha Whittelsey Fund underscores ongoing efforts to preserve these delicate yet influential examples of 17th-century graphic art.

About the Artist

Pieter Soutman|Cornelis Visscher (Dutch|Dutch) · 1580 |1628 –1657 |1658

Dutch, Haarlem, ca. 1580–1657 Haarlem|Dutch, Haarlem (?) 1628/29–1658 Amsterdam