Seated Monk Holding Book n.d.

Domenico Fiasella made this drawing of a seated monk holding a book with graphite on gray paper. The image of a religious figure holding a book can be read as a reference to knowledge and spiritual learning, which were important values in 17th century Italian society. Fiasella was working in Genoa at a time when the Catholic Church was a dominant force and monastic orders held considerable social and political influence. The church was also a major patron of the arts and artists, and drawings like this one could serve as studies for larger religious paintings. The monk’s upward gaze may symbolize his devotion to God. To understand Fiasella’s career and the institutional forces that shaped his artistic production, one might consult archival records from local churches and monasteries. The drawing reminds us that artistic creation is always embedded in its specific social and institutional context.