This is a new book I added recently to my collection: ' t Bosch der Eremyten ende Eremytinnen van Ægypten ende Palestinen. By Heribert Rosweyde, designed by A. Blommaert and engraved by Boetius à Bolswert. Printed and published in 1619 by Hieronymus Verdussen in Antwerp, Belgium. The book contains the engravings of 25 male and 25 female hermits in Palestina and Egypt. The title page The frontispiece The page that starts the male part of the book Every engraving is accompanied by a text. Saint Anton looks like Gandalf in my opinion. The start of the female section Saint Alexandra Saint Mary of Egypt The book was once owned by a famous collector of engravings: Frans Leytens (1901 - 1980)
Nice engravings. I agree with your assessment of St. Anthony. (patron saint of hobbits?) My grandfather was named Anton, btw - more patron saint of those who sold Ford stock to buy a bakery.(LOL)