Staande heilige 1781 - 1783

John B. Skippe created this drawing of a ‘Standing Saint’ using pen and brown ink, with a grey wash. The vertical composition emphasizes the figure's full-length view, with the saint holding what appears to be a lamb. Skippe’s rendering invites us to consider the interplay between traditional religious iconography and emerging aesthetic principles of his time. The deliberate use of grey wash softens the lines, creating a nuanced interplay of light and shadow. This technique not only adds depth but also imbues the figure with a sense of ethereal presence. It is a presence that challenges the fixed meanings associated with religious art, pushing the boundaries of representation. The semiotic elements, such as the lamb – traditionally a symbol of innocence and sacrifice – are rendered with an emphasis on form and texture, drawing attention to the materiality of the representation itself. This approach invites multiple interpretations, reflecting broader philosophical concerns about the nature of belief and representation.