Heilige Pachomius van Scytië after 1636

Curator: So, we’re looking at an engraving from after 1636, "Heilige Pachomius van Scythië", which translates to Saint Pachomius of Scetis. It's by Frederick Bloemaert and is currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. Editor: My first thought? This Pachomius character looks utterly bummed out. Like, supremely existentially tired. Curator: Well, context is key. Saint Pachomius, an Egyptian, was a key figure in early Christian monasticism, specifically the development of cenobitic monasticism where monks live together. This print reflects the Baroque interest in depicting religious figures in these moments. Editor: Ah, monasticism. Living with a bunch of other dudes, dedicating your life to... well, devotion. Makes me tired just thinking about it. And there is a guy with him but it looks like he's getting his foot washed or something. Is that it? I guess all that holiness works up a stink. Curator: What’s striking here is how the Baroque landscape, created solely through line, becomes part of Pachomius's story. Look how the simple dwelling emphasizes his chosen life of poverty and devotion, and even as a historical figure, his representation as a sort of everyman opens this figure up to all audiences. Editor: Yeah, I get that, totally. And the level of detail, given it's an engraving, is kinda mind-blowing. Look at the cross almost disappearing under his arm but still holding all the meaning of it! It must have taken a zillion tiny lines to get that sense of weariness across, not just the heavy drooping, you know? The way the artist has him leaning there tells everything. He has to think. Curator: Exactly. Bloemaert uses the language of line to evoke a feeling of intense introspection, bordering on despair. But it's a carefully constructed despair, designed to inspire reflection. It is about understanding and, maybe more than that, about hope. Editor: Still makes me want to take a nap. Maybe that’s the point? To contemplate one’s navel and then doze off, having achieved some kind of enlightenment, or a dream about fried chicken... you never know what secrets the universe will hide for us. Curator: And with that profound thought, perhaps our visitors can now see beyond the surface and consider the intersection between spiritual dedication and individual struggle within the art, perhaps within their own context too. Editor: Or just enjoy the pretty picture! Either way, no judgement from me.