De heilige Benedictus 1712 - 1786

Giovanni Marco Pitteri created this print of ‘De heilige Benedictus’. Prints like this one offered a way to disseminate images widely, making religious figures and stories accessible beyond the church. Benedict, as depicted here, embodies an ideal of contemplative leadership. His gaze is lowered to the book in front of him, showing humility. Consider how the visual weight given to Benedict’s hands—one holding his staff, the other turning a page—symbolize both spiritual guidance and intellectual engagement. Pitteri’s work presents us with a figure deeply entrenched in the act of reading. Benedict's commitment to scripture offers a model of religious identity rooted in knowledge and introspection. Ultimately, this print encourages us to reflect on the power of knowledge. Benedict isn't just a saint, but a scholar, inviting viewers to consider the relationship between faith, learning, and personal devotion.