Deacon Saint (Stephen or Lawrence) 1635 - 1655

Jacopo Confortini made this drawing of a Deacon Saint, possibly Stephen or Lawrence, using black and red chalk on paper. The image presents us with a figure of religious authority, likely intended for devotional or didactic purposes within the Catholic Church. Made in Italy during the Baroque period, the drawing reflects the era's emphasis on dramatic, emotional appeals to faith. We see this in the upward gaze and the flowing robes, visual cues intended to inspire piety in the viewer. Confortini may have been trying to elevate the status of the church after its reputation was damaged by the reformation. To understand this work fully, one would delve into the Counter-Reformation's artistic strategies and the role of images in reinforcing religious doctrine. Investigating archival records and theological texts of the period would shed light on the drawing's original context and intended audience. By studying how institutions shape artistic production, we recognize art's profound connection to society.