Heilige Pelagia van Antiochië als kluizenares 1644

This is Christoffel van Sichem II’s woodcut of Saint Pelagia of Antioch as a hermit. Sichem made this print sometime between the late 16th and mid-17th century when the religious and social landscapes of Europe were undergoing profound shifts. Here, Sichem presents Pelagia, a former actress and dancer, in the throes of religious devotion. The artist captures her in a moment of deep introspection, kneeling in what appears to be a cave, clutching a rosary. Stripped of her former life, Pelagia’s expression isn't one of regret but perhaps a sense of hope in her new identity. Saint Pelagia's story challenges conventional ideas about female roles and redemption. Sichem’s portrayal invites us to consider the intersections of gender, repentance, and spiritual transformation at a time of immense social and religious change. The print leaves us contemplating the complex layers of identity.