Saint Ambrose c. 1796 - 1799

Francisco de Goya made this oil painting of Saint Ambrose at an unknown date. Goya applies the paint in brisk strokes, bringing out the textural qualities of Saint Ambrose’s garments. Note the gold threading on his robes, which would have required skilled labor to produce. Gold has always been associated with power and wealth and this status is reinforced through Saint Ambrose’s attire. The black background also makes the gold trim stand out more, symbolizing a luxurious setting, even though the background has no detail. The saint holds a book, representing knowledge and authority, and a quill, which he uses to record his thoughts. The materiality here is striking: the smooth surface of the paper contrasts with the texture of the saint’s beard and clothing. Thinking about the artistic process, it’s interesting to consider the cost of the materials involved in creating this work. Goya's deliberate rendering of textures invites us to consider the cultural significance of materials, blurring the lines between fine art and craft.