The ascetics, spiritual figuresof the monks, with their austere, emaciated, but nonetheless gentle faces, underline their arcetic life.The hoary hair and beards of the hermites reflect their advancing years, while also denoting their spiritual maturity, verging on holiness. In frontal, almost static poses, they all-apart from the semi-naked St Onouphrios- wear typical monastic garb: a tunic belted at the waist, a scapular, cords, and a cloak with a cowl. They hold open rolls and some give a blessing.