Heilige Melania de Jongere als kluizenares 1590 - 1662

This anonymous etching from the 17th century depicts the Saint Melania the Younger, a Roman noblewoman who renounced worldly possessions and became a hermit. The image portrays Melania in prayer, her hands raised in supplication, with a skull at her feet, a reminder of mortality. This print is a testament to the enduring power of religious imagery in art, as it highlights the devotion and spiritual transformation of a revered figure. The artwork's small size, approximately 160 mm high by 110 mm wide, suggests it was intended for personal devotional use. It can be found in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.