Vida de Sanct Onofre

This Valencian hagiography, printed in 1520 by Jorge Costilla, is concerned with the life of the 4th/5th century Desert Father Saint Onuphrius (“Onofre” in Spanish) and is prefaced by a fascinating woodcut. According to legend, Paphnutius the Ascetic found Onuphrius after wandering the Egyptian desert for 17 days and contemplating becoming a hermit.

The Legendary Hermit

Onuphrius has a wild, unkempt appearance with long hair and a beard, and is dressed in leaves and animal skins. He informs Paphnutius that he has was once a monk in the area of Thebes but had been living in the desert for more than 60 years, enduring thirst, hunger, heat, cold, and discomfort for the love of God. Furthermore, he had been visited by a guardian angel, who brings him the Host every Sunday. Onuphrius then took Paphnutius to his cell, where they spoke until sunset, at which point bread and water miraculously appear outside. After spending the night in prayer, Onuphrius is near death come morning, and tells Paphnutius not to occupy his cell after his death, saying “…thy work is in Egypt with thy brethren”. He then blesses Paphnutius and dies. The hard, rocky ground makes digging a grave for Onuphrius impossible, and Paphnutius wraps his body in a cloak and leaves him in a cleft of the rocks. After the burial, his cell crumbles, which Paphnutius takes for a sign. The woodcut depicts Paphnutius pointing out the tomb, wherein Onuphrius lies with his arms crossed, to two lions who are gazing within.