Heilige Johannicius van Bithynië als kluizenaar after 1598

This engraving, made by Thomas de Leu around the turn of the 17th century, depicts Saint Johannicius of Bithynia as a hermit. The image reflects a period marked by religious conflict and a renewed interest in asceticism. De Leu’s Saint Johannicius is cloistered in a cave, his hands clasped in prayer, a halo radiating around his head. He is set apart from the world, a theme that resonated deeply in a society grappling with the tensions between spiritual devotion and worldly concerns. But this is not a story of complete isolation. In the background, we see figures moving about, hinting at the saint's connection to the world he has ostensibly left behind. The engraving complicates the narrative of religious devotion, subtly acknowledging the interdependence between the hermit and the community he serves through his spiritual dedication. The choice to portray him in this way invites us to reflect on the relationship between personal faith, public life, and the search for meaning in a tumultuous world.