St Francis of Paula and a friar 1675 - 1750

This drawing of St Francis of Paula and a friar was made by an anonymous artist with pen and brown ink, and grey wash on paper. It's a sketch of a Catholic Saint, Francis of Paula. This imagery would have been produced in a specific cultural and institutional context. The figure's halo, his monastic robes, and the presence of a fellow friar all point to the importance of the Catholic church in society. We can also consider the role of art within religious institutions in previous centuries. Was it a devotional object, a means of educating the faithful, or a display of the Church's power? The way St Francis is depicted, in an attitude of supplication, also gives us insight into the spiritual values of the time. Understanding this drawing requires not just an appreciation of its artistic qualities, but also an awareness of the religious, social, and institutional forces that shaped its creation and reception. Art historians consult many sources to arrive at a better understanding.