Heilige Bruno weigert het bisdom van Reggio 1623 - 1676

"Heilige Bruno weigert het bisdom van Reggio" is an engraving by François Chauveau. During the 17th century, religion played a central role in the lives of Europeans. In the engraving, Bruno is depicted as refusing the high honor of becoming bishop, thereby rejecting worldly power. Kneeling before the Pope, he chooses instead a life of spiritual purity and humble devotion. The imagery is powerful: the Pope sits elevated on a throne, surrounded by wealth, while Bruno kneels. In doing so, he is rejecting the trappings of earthly power. Bruno's decision speaks to the tension that many religious figures experience between the desire for spiritual purity and the allure of worldly power. It also serves as a reminder of the values of humility, self-sacrifice, and devotion that are central to the Christian faith. The print invites us to reflect on our own values and priorities. Do we seek worldly success and recognition, or do we strive for a more meaningful and spiritual life?