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The Trinity, c. 1620. Creator: Hendrik van Balen (Flemish, 1575-1632)
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The Trinity, c. 1620. Creator: Hendrik van Balen (Flemish, 1575-1632)
The Trinity, c. 1620. This vividly coloured altarpiece was made in Antwerp, the center of religious learning in Catholic Flanders. In the mid-1500s when the Catholic Church mounted a defense against the spread of Protestant reforms, known as the Counter-Reformation, it encouraged the production of religious images that promoted Catholic doctrine, offering opportunities for artists like Rubens, Van Dyck, and Van Balen. Van Balens painting depicts the traditional theme of the Trinity, with God the Father holding the dead Christ and the dove of the Holy Spirit hovering above. Unusually, God wears the purple papal tiara, intended to emphasize the popes role as Gods true representative on earth. Encircling the figures of the Trinity are angels holding the instruments of Christs Passion. On the clasp of Gods elaborate cape is a small figure of Saint Barbara, perhaps a clue to the original location of the work in a chapel dedicated to her
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The Trinity, c. 1620
EDITORS COMMENTS
is a captivating print that showcases the artistic brilliance of Hendrik van Balen, a renowned Flemish artist from the late 16th to early 17th century. Created in Antwerp, this altarpiece reflects the city's significance as a hub of religious learning during Catholic Flanders. During the Counter-Reformation period, when the Catholic Church sought to counter Protestant reforms, religious images played a crucial role in promoting Catholic doctrine. Artists like Rubens, Van Dyck, and Van Balen found ample opportunities to create works that aligned with these ideals. Van Balen's painting depicts the traditional theme of the Trinity: God the Father holding Jesus Christ after his crucifixion while being accompanied by the Holy Spirit represented as a dove hovering above them. Notably, God is depicted wearing a purple papal tiara—an intentional symbol emphasizing the pope's role as God's true representative on earth. The composition also features angels encircling the figures of the Trinity while holding instruments associated with Christ's Passion—a poignant reminder of his sacrifice for humanity. Additionally, Saint Barbara can be seen on God's cape clasp—possibly indicating that this artwork was originally located in a chapel dedicated to her. This vividly colored altarpiece serves as an exquisite example of van Balen's mastery and highlights his contribution to religious art during this significant era in history.
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