Apotheosis of Saint George 1693 - 1694

Sebastiano Ricci created this red chalk drawing, "Apotheosis of Saint George," likely as a study for a larger painting, in the late 17th or early 18th century. It depicts the saint's ascent to heaven, surrounded by angels and swirling clouds, a common theme in Baroque art, reflecting the Catholic Church's emphasis on saints and their miraculous interventions. Ricci was Venetian, and Venice, then a major artistic center, influenced his style through its patronage system, demanding religious and mythological scenes for churches and aristocratic palaces. The drawing's loose, dynamic lines suggest the energy and drama characteristic of the era's artistic tastes. Understanding this image fully involves delving into the cultural and religious history of Venice, studying the lives of saints, and researching the patronage systems that shaped artistic production during the Baroque period. By doing so, we can appreciate how Ricci's work reflects both personal creativity and broader cultural forces.