Saint Nicolas of Bari
1551 to 1600
Medium
pen and brown ink with brown wash and white heightening over graphite on blue paper
Dimensions
Overall: 45.8 x 29.4 cm (18 1/16 x 11 9/16 in.) support: 54 x 36 cm (21 1/4 x 14 3/16 in.)
Classification
Drawing
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Julius S. Held Collection
Accession Number
1985.1.12
Art Historical Context
In the hushed galleries of the National Gallery of, the drawing *Saint Nicolas of Bari*, attributed to Cesare Aret and dated between 1551 and 1600, captivates with its delicate mastery. Aretusi, an Italian active in Bologna during the late Renaissance transitioning to Mannerism, renders the revered saint—known for his miracles and patronage of children and sailors—in a poised, elegant pose. This preparatory study, from the Julius S. Held, measures 45.8 x 29.4 cm and the era's fascination with religious icon amid the Catholic Reformation. Crafted in pen and brown ink with brown wash and white ...