Heilige Euphrasia van Constantinopel als kluizenares 1590 - 1662

This is an engraving of Saint Euphrasia of Constantinople as a hermit, made by an anonymous artist. It depicts the saint kneeling in prayer with a demon lurking behind her. Engravings like this one were often produced in series, and sold to raise funds for religious orders. The imagery here is designed to inspire awe and piety in the viewer. Euphrasia's humble devotion is set against the menacing figure of the demon, representing the spiritual trials she overcame through faith. The inclusion of the demon is a visual tool, emphasizing the intensity of Euphrasia's devotion, and the power of faith to ward off evil. Understanding this image requires understanding the cultural and institutional role of the church and the traditions of the time, like the visual tropes for good and evil. These are areas where art historians can bring important insights. By studying the social context of this print we can understand the public role of art.