Abstract

The contribution concentrates on the graphic representation of asceticism and ascetic life forms as it is perceived in a late medieval version of the legend of ‘Barlaam and Josaphat’. The legend was handed down from a Buddhist text version first in Byzantium and later in the West; the often illustrated German vernacular version of Rudolf von Ems forms the basis of the contribution. Asceticism served as a self-compulsatory voluntary decision for the acquisition of divine mercy in all of these works. Here the indefatigable striving for welfare corresponded to the indefatigable occupational work culminating in actions conferring with God’s ultimate will. However, this could hardly be represented by means of detailed illustrations, but had to be communicated in a sign-like fashion through actions such as putting away of one’s clothes etc.; indeed, even an emaciated body was a sufficiently clear sign denoting asceticism.