Mysticus Jan van Ruysbroek

About this artwork

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Art Historical Context

This engraving by Antony van der Does presents a portrait of the medieval mystic Jan van Ruysbroeck, a fourteenth-century Flemish Augustinian canon and influential spiritual writer. Created during van der Does’s lifetime (1622–0), the print captures the revered figure centuries after his death, reflecting the ongoing interest in Ruysbroeck’s mystical theology within seventeenth-century religious and intellectual circles. As an engraving measuring 253 by 132 millimeters, the work exemplifies the period’s mastery of intaglio techniques, where fine lines incised into a copper plate allowed for precise detail and wide distribution. Such prints played a vital role in disseminating images of spiritual leaders, making devotional figures accessible beyond elite manuscripts or paintings. The choice of medium underscores engraving’s cultural importance as both an artistic and communicative tool, bridging devotional tradition with the growing print culture of the Baroque era. Viewers today can appreciate how van der Does’s careful craftsmanship helped preserve and honor Ruysbroeck’s legacy for new generations.

About the Artist

Antony van der Does · 1609–1680

Flemish, 1609–1680