[Savonarola, Girolamo. (1452–1498)] [Johannes Deelis (Amsterdam, ca. mid-seventeenth-century.)] 1701 Portrait Engraving

[Savonarola, Girolamo. (1452–1498)] [Johannes Deelis (Amsterdam, ca. mid-seventeenth-century.)]

1701 Portrait Engraving

Engraving of the Italian cleric and puritanical reformer, shown as a larger-than-life figure towering over Florence, with tiny citizens and a pyre in the foreground. At upper left: I. Deel. At upper right, partially scratched out: [Pag.?] 453. Light toning and a few large spots of foxing at the edges; overall very good. 6.75 x 11 inches (17.3 x 28.5 cm).

This scarce print originates from the volume ‘Historie der Kerken en Ketteren van den beginne des Nieuwen Testaments tot aan het Jaar onses Heeren 1688. […]’ ("History of Churches and Heretics from the start of the New Testament until the year of our lord 1688 …"), by Godfried Arnold, the Dutch edition published by Sebastiaan Petzold, Amsterdam 1701, containing portraits of heretic figures, etched by the reknowned Romeyn de Hooghe after Arnold. The important and prolific late Dutch Baroque engraver and caricaturis Romeyn de Hooghe (1645-1708), skilled as an etcher, draughtsman, painter, sculptor and medalist, is best known for political caricatures of Louis XIV and propagandistic prints supporting William of Orange. During his career, de Hooghe produced over 3500 prints.

The Italian Dominican friar Savonarola from Ferrara and preacher active in Renaissance Florence was known for his prophecies of civic glory, the destruction of secular art and culture, and his calls for Christian renewal. He denounced clerical corruption, despotic rule and the exploitation of the poor and spoke out against Lorenzo de'Medici. Continuously angering the Duke of Milan and Pope Alexander VI, Savonarola was excommunicated in 1497 and executed in 1498 for supposed heresies and other crimes. (16831)

Art History & Historiography