Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua c. mid 18th century

Donato Creti rendered this pen and brown ink drawing, *Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua,* in the late 17th to mid-18th century, a time when the Catholic Church wielded considerable influence over artistic expression. The sketch depicts Saint Anthony of Padua kneeling, eyes uplifted, towards a vision of cherubic angels floating above. Creti, who never left Bologna, was deeply influenced by the city's artistic heritage, particularly the works of the Carracci brothers. The delicate lines and ethereal quality of the angels reflect a Baroque sensibility, characterized by its emotional intensity and dramatic compositions. Consider the historical context: the Church's patronage shaped artistic production, often dictating subject matter and style. Representations of saints were not merely devotional; they were tools for instilling faith and reinforcing religious doctrine. "Vision of Saint Anthony of Padua" invites us to reflect on the interplay between faith, art, and power, while appreciating the delicate beauty of Creti's draftsmanship.