Standing Franciscan Saint Holding Crucifix n.d.

Giovanni Battista Gaulli created this red chalk drawing of a Franciscan Saint sometime in the late 17th century. Rendered with a quick, sure hand, Gaulli evokes the drama and splendor of Roman Catholicism that was so important to the culture of his time. Gaulli was the favored artist of the Jesuit order during the high baroque period, his most famous work being the fresco on the ceiling of the Church of the Gesù in Rome. Note how this small drawing contains elements found in his large, public works: the dramatically illuminated figure, the theatrical gestures, and the cherubic angels. The Franciscan order was mendicant, meaning it relied on charity and good works to support itself. Here, the saint holds a crucifix, reminding the viewer of Christ's sacrifice. This image would have been especially poignant in the context of Counter-Reformation Rome. Art historians rely on a variety of documents to understand such works, including letters, diaries, and financial records. Only through understanding the relevant social and institutional histories can we understand the true meaning of a work of art.