The vision of St Bruno 1612 - 1666

Pier Francesco Mola created this drawing, "The vision of St Bruno," using pen and brown ink, and brown wash. Born in Switzerland but working primarily in Italy, Mola brings to life the founder of the Carthusian order, set against a rugged landscape that evokes the order’s commitment to solitude. Bruno is shown having a vision, which is a moment ripe with emotional and spiritual intensity. The soft washes create a sense of light and atmosphere, drawing us into Bruno’s inner experience. In Mola’s time, religious orders played a significant role in shaping social and cultural life. This drawing reflects the period’s fascination with religious experience, but it also speaks to the individual’s quest for meaning and connection with the divine. Consider how the artist uses the natural environment to mirror the saint's spiritual journey.