Hermit Saints (Schr. 1773b) 15th century

This 15th-century drawing, titled "Hermit Saints," depicts a group of figures in a landscape setting. An anonymous artist created the work in a style common to the period. The depiction of figures in a landscape context is characteristic of medieval art, and the detail in the clothing and the scene suggests a focus on religious devotional practice. This piece is an example of an illustration used in a devotional text that would have been used by a private individual. The small size of the artwork suggests its intimate nature and personal use. The scene is a vivid depiction of a biblical event, highlighting the sanctity of the hermits. The Metropolitan Museum of Art houses this artwork, measuring 5 11/16 x 4 3/4 inches.