Heilige Arsenius de Grote als kluizenaar after 1594

Charles van Boeckel created this print of Saint Arsenius the Great as a hermit. It provides a window into the cultural values and religious devotion of the time. Arsenius, originally a Roman senator, chose a life of solitude, reflected here in his isolated study amidst a wild landscape. This decision invites us to consider the politics of identity and the allure of renouncing worldly power. The Latin text translates to 'Arsenius is an example to the world. Fleeing the court, loving tranquility,' suggesting a narrative of deliberate withdrawal from a corrupting world. The print echoes a societal yearning for spiritual purity, yet it's important to question who has the privilege to retreat, and what structures enable such withdrawal. The romanticized portrayal of the hermit invites reflection on the relationship between solitude, spirituality, and social responsibility. Ultimately, this image serves as a mirror, reflecting the complexities of our own desires for peace, purpose, and a meaningful existence beyond the clamor of public life.