Biddende monnik met rozenkrans in een cel 1857

Pierre-Edouard Frère created this print titled 'Praying Monk with Rosary in a Cell.' Frère, who lived from 1819 to 1886, was a French painter known for his sentimental, genre scenes, often depicting the lives of the poor, and of children. Here, however, he seems to depart from these subjects. The image depicts a monk, robed and hooded, seated in a sparse cell, fingering prayer beads. He has turned away from the viewer, and is facing the wall. What thoughts occupy him? The piece asks us to consider themes of faith, isolation, and devotion. One wonders, what compelled Frère to depict this solitary figure in such an intimate moment of reflection? Was he exploring his own beliefs, or commenting on the role of religion in society? It is a quiet image, inviting contemplation.