Augustine Sacrificing to an Idol of the Manichaeans (?) c. 1480

"Augustine Sacrificing to an Idol of the Manichaeans(?)" is an oil on panel painting created by Aert van den Bossche around 1480. The painting depicts Saint Augustine, a prominent theologian, kneeling before a pagan idol in a grand urban setting. The scene is likely meant to symbolize Augustine's past struggles with Manichaeism, a dualistic religious sect, before his conversion to Christianity. This painting is a testament to the detailed, illustrative style of Early Netherlandish painting, featuring an abundance of figures and intricate architectural elements. The scene is visually arresting, and the artist skillfully uses light and shadow to draw the viewer's eye to the central figure of Augustine, while the background details provide a sense of context and realism.