Hermit Reading in the Wilderness 18th-19th century

Editor: Jan Pieter de Frey's print, "Hermit Reading in the Wilderness," features a man consumed by his book. What kind of stories do you think this image is telling? Curator: It's a potent image of introspection. The Hermit, a recurring figure across centuries, embodies withdrawal and contemplation. The book symbolizes knowledge, both sacred and secular, offering a path to enlightenment or perhaps an escape from worldly concerns. Notice how the wilderness presses in, a visual metaphor for the internal landscape he is navigating. What emotions does that evoke in you? Editor: A sense of solitude, but also perhaps peace? It makes me think about finding truth in unexpected places. Thanks for sharing your insights! Curator: And thank you for your observations. It reminds us that symbols evolve, reflecting the changing values we project onto them.