Heilige Melania de Jongere als kluizenares 1644

"Heilige Melania de Jongere als kluizenares" is an etching created by Christoffel van (II) Sichem in 1644. The print depicts Saint Melania the Younger, a 5th-century Roman noblewoman who renounced her wealth and became a hermit. The artwork showcases Melania kneeling in prayer with her head tilted upwards, her hands clasped in supplication. Behind her, a skull and other symbols of mortality underscore the transient nature of earthly life. This etching is a striking example of 17th-century Dutch art, particularly the Baroque period, which emphasized dramatic light and shadow, emotional intensity, and a focus on religious themes. The artwork can be found at the Rijksmuseum.