Heilige Euphrosina van Alexandrië 1590 - 1662

This is an anonymous print of Saint Euphrosyne of Alexandria. Euphrosyne lived her life as a cloistered monk in disguise to avoid marriage. The print presents a story about gender, identity, and religious devotion in the context of early Christian monasticism. At the center, Euphrosyne is depicted at the moment of her death, surrounded by male figures, presumably fellow monks or religious officials. Her androgynous representation challenges conventional gender norms, highlighting the blurring of gender boundaries within the monastic environment. Her choice to live as a man reflects a desire to transcend societal expectations and pursue spiritual fulfillment, raising questions about the limitations imposed on women in religious institutions. The image captures a moment of transition and transcendence. It invites us to reflect on the complexities of identity, belief, and self-discovery, and the lengths to which individuals go to defy societal norms.