Samuel Enthroned 1586 - 1589

Cesare Nebbia created this drawing of Samuel Enthroned with pen and brown ink, sometime between 1551 and 1614. Nebbia was working during a period of strict religious reform which shaped his artistic choices. Here, Samuel is not merely a prophet but is presented as a figure of power, sitting on a throne, adorned in robes and an elaborate headdress which reflects his elevated position within the religious hierarchy. The drawing echoes the Catholic Church’s emphasis on authority. The emotional tone of the piece is one of solemnity, reflecting the weight of Samuel’s responsibilities. How does Nebbia subtly communicate Samuel's authority? Is it through the imposing figure that commands the small page? Or is it through the visual cues of his clothing? This image asks us to reflect on the relationship between religious authority, representation, and personal faith.