St Paschal Baylon 1627 - 1703

Domenico Piola created this drawing of St Paschal Baylon with pen and grey ink in the 17th century. At this time, the Catholic Church was a powerful force in shaping European culture and identity. Piola’s depiction of St Paschal invites us to contemplate the saint's humble devotion. Positioned in the lower left of the drawing, St Paschal is portrayed in quiet contemplation. Above him, two cherubic angels, radiant in their ethereal forms, hold up what appears to be a Eucharistic candle. The skull placed on the table in the lower right corner of the drawing, acts as a traditional memento mori, a reminder of mortality. Piola masterfully intertwines elements of earthly piety and divine grace. Reflecting on the context of its creation, this artwork serves as a window into the spiritual and cultural values of its time.