Saint Augustine's Zealous Love of God
1726 to 1750
Medium
pen and gray ink with gray wash and white heightening, incised for transfer on laid paper
Dimensions
overall: 15.1 x 19.6 cm (5 15/16 x 7 11/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Kurt Meissner
Accession Number
2001.4.1
Art Historical Context
In the tranquil Drawing Department of the National Gallery of Art, Christ's *Saint Augustine's Zealous of God* (ca. 1726–1750) captures the profound devotion of one of Christianity's most influential theologians. Created during the 18th century, this intimate drawing portrays Saint Augustine, known for his fervent writings on divine love and grace, likely in a moment of ecstatic prayer or contemplation. At just 15.1 x 19.6 cm, its small scale invites close viewing, evoking the personal piety central to Baroque religious art traditions. Christ employs masterful mixed-media techniques: fine pen...