Ultro cordis portam pultat Iesus [On the far side of the door beats Jesus’ heart]
Antonius Wierix
1558-86
copper engraving on paper
16 x 11 cm.
credit: Cabinet des Estampes, Bibliothèque Royale de Belgique

KNOCKIN’ ON HEAVEN’S DOOR

The fundamental question this book asks is whether or not the art itself may be considered a place where essential truths are revealed. Whether these renderings of Jesus’ heart, to quote from Flemish Benedictus van Haeften’s immensely popular 17th century devotional Schola Cordis, speak directly “de corde tuo, ad cor tuum,” about your heart, to your heart.

This engraving is by Flemish artist Antonius Wierix (ca. 1552–1604) from his series Cor Iesu amanti sacum. Here the baby Jesus invites the viewer to enter sanctuary of Jesus’ loving heart.

Click here to return to illustration