Mattia Preti's 'Boethius and philosophy' : early modern philosophical meditations

Abstract

In one of his letters written in July 6, 1581, addressed to Catalina de Jesus, a discalced Carmelite, Saint John of the Cross writes the following: 'abandonment is a steel file and the endurance of darkness leads to great light'. Around four years prior to this letter, on December 2, 1577, John was accused of disobeying the ordinances of Piacenza and was taken captive by a group of Carmelites who opposed his reforms. Despite his defence that he had not disobeyed, he was sentenced to a term of imprisonment, jailed in a monastery where he was kept under strict observance, which included public lashings before the community and severe isolation in a small stifling cell. During his imprisonment, he composed a great part of his most famous poem Spiritual Canticle, as well as a few shorter poems. [excerpt]