Heilige Eugenia van Rome als kluizenares 1644

This is a woodcut of Saint Eugenia of Rome as a hermit, made by Christoffel van Sichem the Second. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Protestant Reformation challenged the visual culture of the Catholic Church, leading to a rise in the production of religious imagery intended to reaffirm Catholic doctrine. Represented here is Saint Eugenia, who, according to legend, disguised herself as a man and lived in a monastery. This act of gender transgression allowed her to pursue a religious life, which was more accessible to men at the time. The print captures Eugenia in a moment of devout prayer, her surroundings sparse, reflecting the ascetic life she embraced. Yet, the image also speaks to broader questions about the role of women, and their access to spiritual authority. It invites us to consider the complex interplay between gender, faith, and the pursuit of a higher calling.