Moreau, Jean Michel, Typus Religionis. Estampe, du Tableau trouvé dans l'Eglise, des ci-devant soi-disans Jésuites de Billom en Auvergne, L'an 1762. Paris, 1783.

Moreau, Jean Michel

Typus Religionis. Estampe, du Tableau trouvé dans l'Eglise, des ci-devant soi-disans Jésuites de Billom en Auvergne, L'an 1762. Paris, 1783.

A 17th century Jesuit allegory of the Catholic Church

An elaborate allegory of the Catholic Church as a galleon, filled to capacity with the different denominations, sailing away from the world of the flesh towards the City of God. As they go, they rescue the faithful and stave off Apostates, unbelievers, sinners and "assailing heretics." Pulled behind the galleon are two longboats, one containing the entourage of the pope, the other that of French king Henri IV. This etching reproduced a large painting by an unknown artist, created during the French wars of religion, probably c.1613. It remained in the Jesuit College in Billom until 1762, when it was seized by the French Government, who declared it blasphemous and used it as evidence against the Jesuit order. Not only was undue prominence given to the Jesuits, with their founder, St. Ignatius of Loyola on deck with the Jesuit emblem in his hand, but it depicted the pope and king as helpless, needing Jesuit guidance to reach the
City of God. The Jesuits were banned in France in 1764. This etching was published in 'Recueil de plusieurs des ouvrages de Monsieur le President Rolland.' The original painting is in the 'Musée de l’Histoire de France' in the Hotel de Soubise, Paris.

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Two sheets conjoined, total 420 x 820 mm. Some restoration to old folds, generally in excellent condition.

British Museum: 1998,1004.27; Brooke-Hitching: 'the madman's gallery.'

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