Book Title: Pia desideria : emblematis elegiis & affectibus SS. Patrum illustrata / authore Hermanno Hugone Societatis Iesu ; ad Vrbanum VIII, Pont. Max.

Author: Hugo, Herman, 1588-1629

Image Title: Book II, Emblem viii

Description: The pictura of this emblem by the Jesuit priest Herman Hugo (1588 – 1629 CE) allegorically figures thematic elements of its ensuing scripture citation and poem. An angel bearing a torch yielding aromatic plumes of incense pleasant to the senses of the woman lying on the ground, who holds the other end of the rope dragged by the angel. The scent produces in her a desire to follow after the angel, but her physical weakness will not allow her to rise. This scene figures the supplicant’s lament that God allures her but will not enable her to engage in pursuit.

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