Heilige Martinianus van Caesarea als kluizenaar after 1594

This image of Saint Martinianus of Caesarea as a hermit, was made with an engraving, by Charles van Boeckel. The material qualities of the printmaking process exert a strong influence here. Look at the dense, close-knit hatching and cross-hatching that define the forms and textures. See how the linear quality creates a sense of depth and shadow, especially in the tumultuous sea and sky. The composition is dominated by baskets, barrels, and a man-made construction on which Martinianus is sitting. The image brings into question the nature of his hermitage and the role of materialism in his life as a hermit. The skilled labor and time-intensive process of engraving lends a level of detail and precision to the image, capturing the essence of Martinianus's devotion. Understanding the material and making of the print allows us to appreciate its intricate beauty and the artist's skillful translation of a religious narrative into a tangible form.