Heilige Augustinus als bisschop 1623 - 1660

This engraving of Saint Augustine as a Bishop was created by Pieter de Bailliu in the 17th century. During this time, the Catholic Church used art to reinforce its doctrines. Representations of saints like Augustine served to inspire faith and reaffirm religious authority, particularly during the Counter-Reformation. Augustine, a significant figure in Christian history, was known for his intellectual contributions and his writings on theology and philosophy. As a Black African, his representation here, and historically, often overlooks his racial identity, instead emphasizing his role as a theologian. The visual choices in depicting Augustine—such as his vestments and halo—speak to the power structures within the Church. His Blackness is subsumed into a universal image of sainthood, subtly reinforcing a dominant narrative of religious authority. Consider how the emotional and personal dimensions of faith intersect with the politics of representation. This artwork invites us to reflect on whose stories are told and how identities are shaped by cultural and historical forces.