Heilige Euphrasia van Constantinopel als kluizenares 1590 - 1619

Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert created this engraving of Saint Euphrasia of Constantinople as a hermit. Bolswert was working during the Counter-Reformation, and his art was often aimed at inspiring religious devotion, particularly through the stories of female saints. Here, Euphrasia is depicted kneeling in prayer, rosary beads in hand, a modest meal and brush next to her. But behind her looms a horned devil with menacing hands, a clear representation of the spiritual battles faced by those who choose a life of piety. Euphrasia’s story, which involves renouncing wealth and marriage to live in poverty and devotion, resonated in a time of social upheaval and religious conflict. Bolswert's engraving encourages viewers to find strength in their faith and to resist temptation, echoing the personal struggles and spiritual journeys of countless women then and now.