Acht vrouwelijke heremieten uit de kerkgeschiedenis 1776 - 1813

This is an engraving by Christoffel van Sichem IV, titled *Acht vrouwelijke heremieten uit de kerkgeschiedenis*, or *Eight Female Hermits from Church History*. The print, made in the late 17th century, depicts women who renounced the world for a life of religious contemplation. At the time, women in the church were often marginalized, their voices and experiences suppressed, and female hermits were something of an anomaly. Yet, despite these constraints, these women pursued lives of autonomy, dedicating themselves to prayer and solitude. Sichem’s work reflects the traditional representations of women within religious contexts, while offering a glimpse into the lives of women who sought spiritual enlightenment on their own terms. These images are both inspiring and poignant, reminding us of the complex dynamics between women, religion, and self-discovery. Consider the emotional weight of these women's decisions and their struggle against societal expectations.