Letter 2 to Theodosius and the rest of the Anchorites, asking for admission among them c. 15th century

Curator: This page comes from an unknown artist's printed letter, possibly dating back centuries, titled "Letter 2 to Theodosius and the rest of the Anchorites, asking for admission among them.” The medium is likely woodcut on paper. Editor: It feels very medieval in its sensibility. There’s a kind of earnestness to the figures, and their positioning seems rather rudimentary, or simply of its time. Curator: Indeed. The text, full of longing and spiritual yearning, resonates with the period's focus on devotion and self-reflection. Look at the way the supplicant describes himself. Editor: "Like a diseased lamb, strayed from the whole flock..." There's this deep sense of unworthiness, a plea for acceptance into the anchorites' community. We see in the illustration an image of a group of men gathered. Curator: And the plea hints at wider social dynamics. The writer seeks redemption from worldly temptations, aligning with the ascetic ideals of the time, rejecting the allure of "luxuria," to find solace in monastic life. It highlights the push and pull between earthly desires and spiritual aspirations. Editor: The small scale invites a sense of intimacy, almost as if we're eavesdropping on a very personal entreaty. It's fascinating how this humble letter opens up such a window into a bygone era.