Heilige Alphegus van Canterbury als kluizenaar 1598

Johann Sadeler I created this engraving, “Heilige Alphegus van Canterbury als kluizenaar,” likely in the late 16th century. It presents Saint Alphege as a hermit, illuminating the perceived dichotomy between earthly temptations and spiritual enlightenment that was prevalent at the time. Made in the Netherlands, this print reflects the religious and social context of its time. We see Alphege standing outside a humble hermitage, holding a lantern, a symbol of guidance and knowledge, while demons attack him. This imagery critiques the opulence of the Church, with the figure of Alphege championing a return to simplicity and piety. The demons and the Church are in sharp contrast, one of austerity and the other of a temptation against a life of virtue. To fully understand this image, we can look to textual sources, such as Saint Alphege's biography, as well as period literature, which would shed light on the artist’s intentions and the cultural values that influenced him. Through historical contextualization, we can better appreciate the artwork's social commentary and its relevance to the religious debates of its time.