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An engraving depicting the Altar of All Saints which contains minor relics of various saints.

An engraving depicting the Altar of All Saints which contains minor relics of various saints.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Antipas of Pergamum. The image shows a hollow bull statue set above a blazing fire.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Antipas of Pergamum. The image shows a hollow bull statue set above a blazing fire.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Blandina. The image shows Blandina being tossed by a bull towards a second bull's oncoming charge, while in the background there is a burning grill where she had previously been severely burned.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Blandina. The image shows Blandina being tossed by a bull towards a second bull's oncoming charge, while in the background there is a burning grill where she had previously been severely burned.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Cassian of Imola. The image shows Cassian bound and stabbed with styli (writing implements used with wax tablets) by his students.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Cassian of Imola. The image shows Cassian bound and stabbed with styli (writing implements used with wax tablets) by his students.

An engraving depicting Saint Cointha before her martyrdom. The image shows Cointha rejecting the altar of a Roman god as two men bring rope (right) with which to tie her by her feet to a horse to be dragged through the streets.

An engraving depicting Saint Cointha before her martyrdom. The image shows Cointha rejecting the altar of a Roman god as two men bring rope (right) with which to tie her by her feet to a horse to be dragged through the streets.

Summary: First printing of an open letter by Luther to the church of Erfurt on the subject of prayers to the saints.

Summary: First printing of an open letter by Luther to the church of Erfurt on the subject of prayers to the saints.

An engraving depicting the Eulalia kicking over an alter to a Roman god in an event preceeding her martyrdom. In the image, the crowd around Eulalia appearing outraged.

An engraving depicting the Eulalia kicking over an alter to a Roman god in an event preceeding her martyrdom. In the image, the crowd around Eulalia appearing outraged.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Felicity. The image shows Felicity being approached by a guard holding a set of keys, her hands clasped in prayer and chained to the prison wall by her neck. According to tradition, Felicity was martyred alongside Saint Perpetua, was an enslaved woman, and was pregnant at the time.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Felicity. The image shows Felicity being approached by a guard holding a set of keys, her hands clasped in prayer and chained to the prison wall by her neck. According to tradition, Felicity was martyred alongside Saint Perpetua, was an enslaved woman, and was pregnant at the time.

An engraved border for the title page of Paolo di Angelis' Basilicae s. Mariae Maioris di Urbe a Liberio Papa I usque ad Paulum V Pont. Max. descriptio et delinatio printed in 1621. The border consists of a single print with several scenes pertaining to the veneration of and maricles of the Virgin Mary. The top of the border depicts angels and cherubs flanking a depiction of the Virgin Mary with Christ. In the center of the engraving, below the title, is a scene of St. Gregory I the Great leading a crowd in worship as a depiction of Mary is brought forward.

An engraved border for the title page of Paolo di Angelis' Basilicae s. Mariae Maioris di Urbe a Liberio Papa I usque ad Paulum V Pont. Max. descriptio et delinatio printed in 1621. The border consists of a single print with several scenes pertaining to the veneration of and maricles of the Virgin Mary. The top of the border depicts angels and cherubs flanking a depiction of the Virgin Mary with Christ. In the center of the engraving, below the title, is a scene of St. Gregory I the Great leading a crowd in worship as a depiction of Mary is brought forward.

A woodcut border to Mensing's Von dem Testament Christi vnsers Herren vnd Seligmachers : Dem Hochlöblichen Adell ym landt zu Sachsen, sampt alle[n] Christglewbigen, Deutscher Nation, tzugutt geschriben vnd auszgangen, beweret mit Götlicher schrifft, tröstlich zu lesen printed in 1526. The border is composed of four woodcuts depicting the symbols of the four Gospels (corners), Apostle Peter (top), Apostle Paul (bottom), and the four "Great Western Fathers" of the church, Pope Gregory I, Saint Jerome, Saint Ambrose, and Saint Augustine (sides).

A woodcut border to Mensing's Von dem Testament Christi vnsers Herren vnd Seligmachers : Dem Hochlöblichen Adell ym landt zu Sachsen, sampt alle[n] Christglewbigen, Deutscher Nation, tzugutt geschriben vnd auszgangen, beweret mit Götlicher schrifft, tröstlich zu lesen printed in 1526. The border is composed of four woodcuts depicting the symbols of the four Gospels (corners), Apostle Peter (top), Apostle Paul (bottom), and the four "Great Western Fathers" of the church, Pope Gregory I, Saint Jerome, Saint Ambrose, and Saint Augustine (sides).

The title page of Biblia : habes in hoc libro prudens lector vtriusq[ue] instrumenti nouam tran[s]latione[m] aeditum... featuring an architectural border decorated with portraits of Catholic saints. At the top of the border is an image of the pope flanked by cardinals and supported by a pair of cherubs holding horns and crests featuring a printer's mark. Along both sides are portraits of saints frmed with laurels, including: Jerome, Augustine, Gregory, Ambrosius, Hugo, Bernard, Thomas, Ireneus, and two unnamed saints.

The title page of Biblia : habes in hoc libro prudens lector vtriusq[ue] instrumenti nouam tran[s]latione[m] aeditum... featuring an architectural border decorated with portraits of Catholic saints. At the top of the border is an image of the pope flanked by cardinals and supported by a pair of cherubs holding horns and crests featuring a printer's mark. Along both sides are portraits of saints frmed with laurels, including: Jerome, Augustine, Gregory, Ambrosius, Hugo, Bernard, Thomas, Ireneus, and two unnamed saints.

A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Sermon von den Heiltumen printed in 1522. The border consists of four woodcuts, all featuring plant motifs with added elements, including: a bird (left), birds and bugs (top), fruits (right), and an urn (bottom). Within the border and below the title is a fifth woodcut depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with the Virgin Mary to the left and a saint to the right.

A woodcut border on the title page of Luther's Sermon von den Heiltumen printed in 1522. The border consists of four woodcuts, all featuring plant motifs with added elements, including: a bird (left), birds and bugs (top), fruits (right), and an urn (bottom). Within the border and below the title is a fifth woodcut depicting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, with the Virgin Mary to the left and a saint to the right.

A woodcut border on the title page of Johann Lange's Oratio published in 1519. The border is comprised of one complete woodcut and depicts a group of angels playing music as the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and several other saints watch. Additional scenes of cherubs picking fruit and climbing trees appear in the left and right border sections.

A woodcut border on the title page of Johann Lange's Oratio published in 1519. The border is comprised of one complete woodcut and depicts a group of angels playing music as the Virgin Mary, Jesus, and several other saints watch. Additional scenes of cherubs picking fruit and climbing trees appear in the left and right border sections.

This large-format broadside was probably issued to commemorate and popularize the canonization of Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) in November of 1610. Borromeo was a crucial interlocutor during the final sessions of the Council of Trent and also undertook many reforming practices while serving as the Archbishop of Milan. Although the engraving was printed in Antwerp, the text including the detailed captions demonstrate that it was intended for an Italian audience.

This large-format broadside was probably issued to commemorate and popularize the canonization of Charles Borromeo (1538-1584) in November of 1610. Borromeo was a crucial interlocutor during the final sessions of the Council of Trent and also undertook many reforming practices while serving as the Archbishop of Milan. Although the engraving was printed in Antwerp, the text including the detailed captions demonstrate that it was intended for an Italian audience.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Julitta and her child, Cyricus. The image shows Julitta tied to a post and being whipped (left), a hook for torture on the ground beside her, and the governor of Tarsus holding Julitta's child, Cyricus, by the legs, preparing to throw him down a staircase (right).

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Julitta and her child, Cyricus. The image shows Julitta tied to a post and being whipped (left), a hook for torture on the ground beside her, and the governor of Tarsus holding Julitta's child, Cyricus, by the legs, preparing to throw him down a staircase (right).

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Phillip the Apostle. The image shows Philip standing against a pillar with hands raised in prayer as he looks away from the crowd which is stoning him to death.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Phillip the Apostle. The image shows Philip standing against a pillar with hands raised in prayer as he looks away from the crowd which is stoning him to death.

A vellum leaf from a Latin Book of Hours. The leaf contains 1/4 panel borders of flowers and tree trunks in liquid gold and tempera.

A vellum leaf from a Latin Book of Hours. The leaf contains 1/4 panel borders of flowers and tree trunks in liquid gold and tempera.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Phocas, the Bishop of Sinope. The image shows Phocas being tossed into a large, boiling bath (left) while a soldier (right) directs an old man's attention to the event. In the background a steaming lime kiln can be seen (right).

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Phocas, the Bishop of Sinope. The image shows Phocas being tossed into a large, boiling bath (left) while a soldier (right) directs an old man's attention to the event. In the background a steaming lime kiln can be seen (right).

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Polycarp. The image shows Polycarp sitting on a blazing fire with eyes turned towards heaven as a man stabs him with a sword.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Polycarp. The image shows Polycarp sitting on a blazing fire with eyes turned towards heaven as a man stabs him with a sword.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Andrew the Apostle. The image shows Andrew bound with rope to an X-shaped cross while a crowd watches.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Andrew the Apostle. The image shows Andrew bound with rope to an X-shaped cross while a crowd watches.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Barnabas. The image shows Barnabas being dragged by a rope around his neck towards a fire which is being built in the background.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Barnabas. The image shows Barnabas being dragged by a rope around his neck towards a fire which is being built in the background.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of St. Stephan. The image shows Stephen kneeling outside the gates of Jerusalem as a crowd stones him to death.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of St. Stephan. The image shows Stephen kneeling outside the gates of Jerusalem as a crowd stones him to death.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Ignatius of Antioch. The image shows Ignatius standing alone in an arena and facing an oncoming lion with open arms as a crowd watches.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Ignatius of Antioch. The image shows Ignatius standing alone in an arena and facing an oncoming lion with open arms as a crowd watches.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint James the Greater. The image shows James kneeling, blindfolded and with hands held in prayer, as a soldier prepares to decapitate him.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint James the Greater. The image shows James kneeling, blindfolded and with hands held in prayer, as a soldier prepares to decapitate him.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint James the Less. The image shows James kneeling with hands raised in prayer as a crowd stones and beats him.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint James the Less. The image shows James kneeling with hands raised in prayer as a crowd stones and beats him.

An engraving depicting the decapitation of John the Baptist. The scene shows a guard holding the bindings around the arms of John, whose body lays on the floor of the dungeon bleeding from the neck as the executioner walks towards the guarded door with John's head on a platter.

An engraving depicting the decapitation of John the Baptist. The scene shows a guard holding the bindings around the arms of John, whose body lays on the floor of the dungeon bleeding from the neck as the executioner walks towards the guarded door with John's head on a platter.

An engraving depicting the exile of Saint John the Evangelist on Patmos. The image shows John walking through the surf with ships in the background.

An engraving depicting the exile of Saint John the Evangelist on Patmos. The image shows John walking through the surf with ships in the background.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Luke the Evangelist. The image shows Luke having been hanged before a crowd from an olive tree.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Luke the Evangelist. The image shows Luke having been hanged before a crowd from an olive tree.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Mark the Evangelist. The image shows Marc being dragged with ropes and hooks.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Mark the Evangelist. The image shows Marc being dragged with ropes and hooks.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Matthias the Apostle. The image shows Matthias bound to a cross and stoned by a crowd while an ax sits ready (bottom right) to behead him.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Matthias the Apostle. The image shows Matthias bound to a cross and stoned by a crowd while an ax sits ready (bottom right) to behead him.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist. The image shows Matthew nailed to the ground by both his hands and feet as an executioner stands above him wielding an axe and preparing to behead him.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Matthew the Apostle and Evangelist. The image shows Matthew nailed to the ground by both his hands and feet as an executioner stands above him wielding an axe and preparing to behead him.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Paul the Apostle. The image shows Paul kneeling and blindfolded with hands together in prayer as the executioner unsheathes his sword and looks back towards Emperor Nero, who stands atop a wall in the background (upper left).

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Paul the Apostle. The image shows Paul kneeling and blindfolded with hands together in prayer as the executioner unsheathes his sword and looks back towards Emperor Nero, who stands atop a wall in the background (upper left).

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Peter the Apostle. The image shows Peter crucified upsidedown as Emperor Nero watches from horseback in the background.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Peter the Apostle. The image shows Peter crucified upsidedown as Emperor Nero watches from horseback in the background.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Simon the Zealot. The image shows Simon being led towards a prepared cross, the spikes to be used to nail him down prepared in a basket in the foreground.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Simon the Zealot. The image shows Simon being led towards a prepared cross, the spikes to be used to nail him down prepared in a basket in the foreground.

A page from Les Heures de Nostre Dame including a miniature portrait of Saint Genevieve, who is shown holding a book and a candle being lit by an angel and demon, and a decorative border featuring plants, flowers, and berries.

A page from Les Heures de Nostre Dame including a miniature portrait of Saint Genevieve, who is shown holding a book and a candle being lit by an angel and demon, and a decorative border featuring plants, flowers, and berries.

A woodcut depiction of Saint Jerome seated at his desk with two books before him, one with Greek letters and another with Latin, representing his work translating the Bible. Jerome has turned from the books to remove a thorn from the paw of a lion, a popular story from the saint's life.

A woodcut depiction of Saint Jerome seated at his desk with two books before him, one with Greek letters and another with Latin, representing his work translating the Bible. Jerome has turned from the books to remove a thorn from the paw of a lion, a popular story from the saint's life.

An engraving depicting a portrait of St. Bridget of Sweden above a crosier, a coat of arms bearing a cross, and an image of Jesus appearing to her to convey the number of blows he suffered during the Passion.

An engraving depicting a portrait of St. Bridget of Sweden above a crosier, a coat of arms bearing a cross, and an image of Jesus appearing to her to convey the number of blows he suffered during the Passion.

An engraving depicting the torture of Saints Tarachus, Probus, and Andronicus before their martyrdom. The image shows one of the saints standing before the governor Numerian Maximus, while implements of torture, including hot coals, appear in the foreground and background.

An engraving depicting the torture of Saints Tarachus, Probus, and Andronicus before their martyrdom. The image shows one of the saints standing before the governor Numerian Maximus, while implements of torture, including hot coals, appear in the foreground and background.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saints Tarachus, Probus, and Andronicus. The image shows the three men lying in an arena, praying and appealing to heaven as they are surrounded by a lion and bear which refuse to attack them.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saints Tarachus, Probus, and Andronicus. The image shows the three men lying in an arena, praying and appealing to heaven as they are surrounded by a lion and bear which refuse to attack them.

An engraving depicting a scene of the pope (possibly Pope Gregory XIII) enthroned and surrounded by bishops and cardinals, a dove perched on the back of his throne. Surrounding this scene is a series of portraits of saints and biblical figures, including (from top left down, around, and up): Saint Augustine, Saint John, Saint Matthew, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Paul, Pope Gregory I (Saint), Saint Ambrose, Jeremiah, Isaiah, David, Job, Moses, and Saint Jerome.

An engraving depicting a scene of the pope (possibly Pope Gregory XIII) enthroned and surrounded by bishops and cardinals, a dove perched on the back of his throne. Surrounding this scene is a series of portraits of saints and biblical figures, including (from top left down, around, and up): Saint Augustine, Saint John, Saint Matthew, Saint Luke, Saint Mark, Saint Paul, Pope Gregory I (Saint), Saint Ambrose, Jeremiah, Isaiah, David, Job, Moses, and Saint Jerome.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Vitalis of Milan. The image shows Vitalis being buried alive as a crowd watches.

An engraving depicting the martyrdom of Saint Vitalis of Milan. The image shows Vitalis being buried alive as a crowd watches.