Paulus van Thebe als kluizenaar 1583 - 1588

Editor: We're looking at "Paulus van Thebe als kluizenaar," or "Paul of Thebes as a hermit," made sometime between 1583 and 1588 by Johann Sadeler I. It’s an engraving, a print on paper, housed here at the Rijksmuseum. The scene is dark but compelling: a landscape with a wild man seated in what looks like a cave, with a wolf-like creature lurking nearby. What initially strikes you about this piece? Curator: Well, right away, the theatrics pull me in! This isn't just a landscape; it’s a stage, practically screaming "Mannerism!" You know, the exaggerated poses, the stylized nature—it's all very…intentional. Do you get a sense of the story behind this Paul fellow? He's not just camping, is he? Editor: I get the sense of a narrative. A story being told about the hermit in the landscape, not a serene natural space. Maybe there’s more to it than meets the eye? Curator: Precisely! He’s said to have been the first Christian hermit. This is a very staged and artificial take, right? Now look closer… see that raven dropping the bread? Divine intervention, my dear! Food in the wilderness to feed a saint in isolation. That detail gives you insight into how the viewer may have interacted with the image. Editor: Ah, I missed that! The raven providing sustenance – like a divine delivery service. Suddenly the whole scene takes on a different feel, from desolate to… blessed, in a way. Curator: Exactly! That single visual detail transforms everything. So tell me, knowing that, how does your initial reading of "dark and compelling" shift? Does that wilderness feel less menacing now, or something else entirely? Editor: It's become more…symbolic. Less about literal danger, more about spiritual isolation and then grace. Thanks to a raven. I really overlooked so much at first glance. I'm not sure I realized just how packed these prints were. Curator: We all do at times! Editor: This has completely reshaped how I think about art from this period. So much story behind what initially seemed like a picture.