Desiderius Erasmus, Dutch theologian
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Desiderius Erasmus, Dutch theologian
Desiderius Erasmus (c.1466-1536), Dutch humanist theologian. Born Gerrit Gerritszoon at Gouda, Erasmus was orphaned at the age of 17, and was sent to study in monastic schools, and then travelled all over Europe as an independent scholar. He prepared new Latin and Greek editions of the New Testament as well as other Biblical and theological works. Erasmus was sympathetic to the ideas of Martin Luther, but he declined to take sides in the developing struggle of the Reformation. Erasmus criticised clerical abuses in the Church, but was commited to reform from within as he saw a need for institutional rather than doctrinal change. He wrote extensively, his best-known work is Praise of Folly (written 1509), a satirical work on the Roman Catholic Church which he dedicated to Thomas More. This engraving comes from Bezes Les vrais portraits des hommes illustres, printed at Geneva in 1581
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1400s 1500s 15th 16th Century Bible Catholic Catholicism Christianity Priest Reformation Scholar Theologian Vertical Counter Reformation Desiderius Erasmus Free Will Luther Mono Chrome New Testament Protestantism
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases Desiderius Erasmus, a prominent Dutch theologian and humanist of the 15th and 16th centuries. Born as Gerrit Gerritszoon in Gouda, Erasmus faced early hardships by becoming an orphan at just 17 years old. Despite this setback, he embarked on a remarkable journey of knowledge and enlightenment. Erasmus studied in monastic schools before venturing across Europe as an independent scholar. His contributions to theology were immense, including the preparation of new Latin and Greek editions of the New Testament along with other biblical and theological works. While sympathetic to Martin Luther's ideas during the Reformation, Erasmus chose not to align himself with either side but rather advocated for institutional reform within the Church. Critiquing clerical abuses while remaining committed to his faith, Erasmus penned numerous writings throughout his life. One of his most renowned works is "Praise of Folly" a satirical piece targeting the Roman Catholic Church that he dedicated to Thomas More. The engraving featured in this print originates from Bezes Les vrais portraits des hommes illustres printed in Geneva in 1581. It beautifully captures Erasmus' scholarly demeanor and serves as a testament to his significant role during a transformative era marked by religious change. In summary, this striking image immortalizes Desiderius Erasmus—a brilliant Dutch humanist theologian who championed intellectual pursuits while advocating for reform within the Catholic Church during one of history's most pivotal periods—the Renaissance and Reformation.
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