Two Friars of the Order of Saint Anthony 1766

Jonathan Spilsbury created this mezzotint print, "Two Friars of the Order of Saint Anthony," in the late 18th century, a time of evolving religious and philosophical thought. Spilsbury, working within a society marked by strict religious norms, offers us a glimpse into the contemplative life of these friars. The figures, heads bowed in unison over a shared text, evoke a sense of quiet introspection and shared devotion. The choice of mezzotint, with its rich tonal gradations, enhances the image's somber and spiritual mood. Yet, the very act of portraying these figures invites a dialogue about the role of religious orders in society. Were they seen as beacons of piety, or as symbols of a receding medievalism? In focusing on the faces and the book, Spilsbury may be inviting us to consider the personal dimensions of faith, and perhaps reflect on our own search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.