Heilige Geraldus van Mitternach als kluizenaar 1598

Johann Sadeler’s engraving presents Saint Gerald of Mitternach as a hermit, set deep within a forest. Dominating the foreground is the figure of the saint, with his donkey resting nearby, juxtaposed against the dark mouth of a hollow tree. The hollow tree is a symbol of transition and refuge, echoing the caves and woods used by hermits and holy figures throughout history. We see a similar motif in images of Saint Jerome or Mary Magdalene. It is a place of transformation, representing spiritual cleansing and rebirth. Consider the archaic symbolism inherent in the forest—a place of challenge and introspection. This is mirrored in ancient myths and fairy tales where forests serve as a backdrop for trials and self-discovery. Sadeler draws on this well of cultural memory. The enduring appeal of such images lies in their connection to our subconscious desires for peace, reflection, and a return to nature, echoing through the ages in an eternal loop.