Saint Hyacinth Walking on the Waters

Art Historical Context

**Saint Hyacinth Walking on the Waters** (1599) is a captivating preparatory drawing by Francesco Vanni, a Sienese artist of the late Mannerist (1563–1610). Vanni, known for his elegant religious scenes blending Florentine and Bolognese influences, depicts the miracle of Saint Hyac of Poland—a 13th-century Dominican saint walks across turbulent waters, saving a statue of the Virgin Mary. Created at the cusp of the 17th century, this work reflects the Catholic Church's emphasis on miraculous saints during the Counter-Reformation, evoking faith and divine intervention. Executed in pen and brown ink with brush and brown wash on paper (9 1/8 x 5 13/16 in.), the medium showcases Vanni's mastery of line and tone. Precise ink strokes define dynamic figures and swirling waves, while subtle washes add depth and drama, typical of Italian draftsmanship for studies leading to paintings or frescoes. This technique allowed artists like Vanni to explore composition fluidly before committing to larger works. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department (Bequest of Harry G. Sperling, 1971), the piece highlights women's presence alongside male saints, underscoring shared devotion. A gem of Sienese art, it invites visitors to appreciate the sketch's immediacy and the saint's enduring legend of unshakeable piety.