1620 - 1623
Embleem met kluizenaar en gelovigen die zich wijden aan meditatie
Anonymous
@anonymousLocation
RijksmuseumListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
This emblem, of unknown origin, invites us into a world of meditation and solitude. The print encapsulates the spiritual practices of 17th-century Europe, set against the backdrop of religious and social upheaval. An intersection of faith, personal reflection, and communal devotion unfolds before our eyes. We see a hermit engrossed in study, alongside believers ascending towards enlightenment. The Latin inscription, “I am become like a pelican of the wilderness,” suggests a journey of self-sacrifice and renewal. The artist, though anonymous, captures a yearning for spiritual solace. It reflects the era’s complex negotiation between individual identity and collective religious experience. This emblem embodies the emotional resonance of seeking inner peace amidst external turmoil.