An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
A Hermit Praying1670
Artist: Gerrit Dou
Dutch, 1613–1675
Frame Dutch, mid-XVII century, bolection profile in ebonized fruitwood with sight wave mouldings, ripple-and-reed panel and border mouldings, accessioned for use on Dou, 88.50.1.
13 1/4 x 10 5/8 x 1/4 in. (33.66 x 26.99 x 0.64 cm) (panel)
26 x 23 5/8 x 2 7/8 in. (66.04 x 60.01 x 7.3 cm) (framed)
Oil on panel
Painting
Netherlands
17th century
The William Hood Dunwoody Fund
In a secluded cave, nestled against the rugged folds of a mountainside, a hermit monk seeks solace far from the clamor of the world. Nature’s whispers surround him, a gentle chorus of rustling leaves and distant bird calls weaving through the silence. Here, he discovers a refuge, a sacred space where temptations fade into the quiet.
Seated in the dim light, the monk cradles a rosary in his hands, his fingers moving rhythmically over each bead as he enters a profound meditation. The holy text lies open before him, its pages worn yet cherished. Every word resonates like a soft bell in his heart, guiding him deeper into contemplation.
Before him, a humble altar has been fashioned. A crucifix stands with quiet dignity, a steadfast symbol of salvation, its presence a comforting reminder of unwavering faith. Nearby, an extinguished candle flickers in memory of light lost, while a skull—a solemn reminder of mortality—sits beside an hourglass, its grains of sand trickling steadily downwards, echoing the fleeting nature of human life.
In this sacred corner, a small straw basket rests, simple yet profound. It holds the essentials for the monk's survival, hinting at the values of frugality and humility. Each object speaks of a life stripped of excess, presenting a clear intention to embrace simplicity, to find richness in the barest of necessities.
In the embrace of his cave, surrounded by symbols that reflect the essence of existence, the hermit monk finds not just solitude but a deep communion with life itself—a tapestry of devotion woven with the threads of silence and reflection.
About the artist
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