Heilige Melania de Oudere als kluizenares 1590 - 1619

This etching by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert depicts Saint Melania the Elder, a prominent early Christian ascetic, in her role as a hermit. Created between 1590 and 1619, the image shows Melania sitting in a contemplative pose, her hands clasped in prayer, with a rosary and staff resting by her side. The detailed, delicate lines of the etching capture her peaceful solemnity, emphasizing her commitment to solitude and spirituality. The artwork is currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, a testament to the importance of religious iconography in Dutch art.