Heilige Johannes van Lycopolis als kluizenaar 1644

"Heilige Johannes van Lycopolis als kluizenaar" (Saint John of Lycopolis as a Hermit) is an etching from 1644 by the Dutch artist Christoffel van (II) Sichem. The artwork depicts Saint John of Lycopolis, a Christian hermit, seated and meditating, his hands holding a rosary and a book. The etching, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, is a small-scale work, capturing the introspective nature of the saint in detailed strokes. Van Sichem's use of chiaroscuro, a technique of contrasting light and shadow, adds depth and drama to the composition, highlighting the saint's devotion. This etching is a prime example of the religious art prevalent in the Dutch Golden Age, showcasing the skillful craftsmanship of the artist.