Heilige Euphrosina van Alexandrië als kluizenares 1590 - 1662

This anonymous print, held at the Rijksmuseum, depicts Saint Euphrosyne of Alexandria as a hermit. The image speaks to the historical context of religious devotion and the ideals of asceticism in the Netherlands, likely dating back to the 16th or 17th century. Euphrosyne’s story, in which she disguises herself as a man to live a monastic life, challenges traditional gender roles. The visual codes here communicate the value of religious piety in a time of shifting religious landscapes, a period when the Catholic Church was being challenged by the rise of Protestantism. The book and cross next to the Saint are symbols of her devotion. The image provides insight into the cultural values of the time, including the importance of religious devotion, the role of women in society, and the appeal of monasticism. Art historians often explore such works through religious texts, social histories, and institutional records to better understand their significance.