Architecturally-Shaped Tabernacle with a Saint and Four Putti 1520 - 1560

This architecturally-shaped tabernacle with a saint and four putti was made in pen and brown ink with gray wash, by an anonymous artist. Religious art in this period, especially art meant for public consumption, was a powerful tool in shaping identities and behaviors. This drawing presents an idealized version of religious devotion, literally framing the saint as a figure of aspiration. The putti, or cherubic figures, reference classical antiquity, reflecting a fascination with pre-Christian imagery. They symbolize innocence but also highlight the cultural norms about purity and childhood. What’s striking here is the symmetry of the design, hinting at the desire for order and balance in both the physical world and the spiritual lives of the people. Yet, even in such a structured composition, there’s a warmth that comes through, inviting viewers to reflect on their own faith and place within this framework. This drawing invites us to consider how religious art, through its design and symbolism, aims to guide our understanding of identity and morality.