Mortification Collection

Bonze or Buddhist monk performing a vow to crawl on all fours with a saddle on his back
FLO4590120 Bonze or Buddhist monk performing a vow to crawl on all fours with a saddle on his back. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Andrea Freschi after Antoine Cardon

Hindu devotees firewalking in the Nepu Tirunal or Thimithi festival in honor of the goddess Draupadi
FLO4623740 Hindu devotees firewalking in the Nepu Tirunal or Thimithi festival in honor of the goddess Draupadi. Handcoloured copperplate drawn

Muslim fakir or faqir penitents performing prayers and mortification. Udbahu with raised arm
FLO4623799 Muslim fakir or faqir penitents performing prayers and mortification. Udbahu with raised arm, and others praying standing, seated or lying down

Ms. New Coll 380, f40r. The antiquities of the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary, Carlisle, drawn by Robert Carlile
833749 Ms. New Coll 380, f40r. The antiquities of the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary, Carlisle, drawn by Robert Carlile, 1795 (pen & ink and w/c on paper) by Carlile

Historical views of Tibet. The Grand Lama with priests and worshippers 46, Lama priest sprinkling a home with holy water 47, and victor drinking out of an enemys skull 48

A Penitent (pen & ink and w / c on paper)
XOT320589 A Penitent (pen & ink and w/c on paper) by Grevenbroeck, Jan van (1731-1807); Museo Correr, Venice, Italy; (add.info.: I Penitenti; ); Dutch, out of copyright

Procession of Flagellants (engraving)
5226738 Procession of Flagellants (engraving) by Morellon la Cave, Francois (1706-66) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Procession of Flagellants)

Muslim fakir penitents performing prayers and mortification
Muslim fakir or faqir penitents performing prayers and mortification. Udbahu with raised arm, and others praying standing, seated or lying down

Hindu devotees firewalking in the Nepu Tirunal or Thimithi festival in honour of the goddess Draupadi. Handcoloured copperplate drawn and engraved by Andrea Bernieri from Giulio Ferrarios Ancient

Bonze or Buddhist monk performing a vow to crawl on all fours with a saddle on his back. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Andrea Freschi after Antoine Cardon from Henri-Leonard-Jean-Baptiste

Life of Francois de Paris (engraving) (b / w phto)
CHT382718 Life of Francois de Paris (engraving) (b/w phto) by French School, (18th century); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris

The Spanish Reinforcements for Cuba, Papal Benediction of Troops at Vittoria before their Departure (litho)
1056620 The Spanish Reinforcements for Cuba, Papal Benediction of Troops at Vittoria before their Departure (litho) by English School

Procession of flagellants. The practice of flagellantism was prevalent in the 14th century perhaps in response to the Black Death. From an etching by Caspar Jacobsz after a work by Pernard Picart

Mortification Antonio Baratti Italian 1724-1787
The Mortification. Antonio Baratti (Italian, 1724-1787), after Francesco Zuccarelli (Italian, 1702-1788). Engraving

Mortification 1763 Francesco Zuccarelli Italian
The Mortification, 1763 or before. Francesco Zuccarelli (Italian, 1702-1788). Oil; sheet: 35.2 x 27.3 cm (13 7/8 x 10 3/4 in.); image: 30.7 x 22.3 cm (12 1/16 x 8 3/4 in.); secondary support

Thaipusam, Hindu Festival - Singapore - Vel Kavadi
Thaipusam, Hindu Festival, marked by Piercings and Painful Rituals in Singapore. The festival is mainly observed in countries where there is a significant presence of Tamil community such as India

Fakir or fukeer, enthusiast.. handcolored copperplate engraving by an unknown artist from Asiatic Costumes, Ackermann, London, 1828

A Flagellant (pen & ink and w / c on paper)
XOT320588 A Flagellant (pen & ink and w/c on paper) by Grevenbroeck, Jan van (1731-1807); Museo Correr, Venice, Italy; (add.info.: I battuti; ); Dutch, out of copyright

St Jeromes Dream. Flagellation of the saint by angels. Christ enthroned in heaven. Orazio Borgianni (1578-1616) Italian painter

Siege of Cuneo 1691
The strategic location of Cuneo (Coni) in Piedmont means it is often besieged. Here, Eugene of Savoy raises a siege attempted by the French, much to the mortification of Louis

All Professionally Made to Order for Quick Shipping

In this captivating image, we are transported to a world of spiritual devotion and self-discipline. The scene depicts Muslim fakir or faqir penitents engaging in prayers and mortification, their unwavering dedication evident in every gesture. At the center of the composition stands an Udbahu with his arm raised high, a symbol of reverence and surrender to a higher power. Surrounding him are other devotees, some standing tall while others choose to pray seated or even lying down. Each individual is deeply engrossed in their own personal connection with the divine. The handcoloured copperplate drawing brings out the intricate details of this historical moment captured by Robert Carlile in 1795, and is part of a larger collection showcasing the antiquities of the Cathedral Church of Saint Mary in Carlisle. This mesmerizing artwork also offers glimpses into different cultural practices across time and space. We catch sight of Hindu devotees fearlessly firewalking during Nepu Tirunal, displaying their unshakable faith amidst intense physical challenges. A Bonze or Buddhist monk performs a vow, demonstrating his commitment to enlightenment through ascetic practices. The procession of flagellants depicted here harks back to medieval times when such acts were prevalent as responses to catastrophic events like the Black Death. This engraving by Caspar Jacobsz after Pernard Picart's work showcases both religious fervor and communal solidarity during challenging times. We also witness moments from history where spirituality intersects with worldly affairs - Spanish reinforcements for Cuba receive Papal Benediction at Vittoria before embarking on their departure. Even amid military preparations, these troops seek solace and guidance from above. Throughout these diverse scenes, one common thread emerges: mortification as an expression of deep devotion and inner transformation. Whether it be Muslim fakirs performing prayers or flagellants seeking redemption through self-inflicted pain, each act represents an ardent pursuit of spiritual enlightenment.