A Penitent at a Quaker Sermon c. 1710 - 1720

Alessandro Magnasco created this pen and brown wash drawing, titled 'A Penitent at a Quaker Sermon', in the late 17th or early 18th century. The image offers an insight into the cultural perceptions of Quakerism in Italy at the time. Magnasco, known for his distinctive style and interest in unconventional subjects, captures a scene that reflects the exoticism and perceived oddity of the Quaker religious practice. The depiction of a penitent figure amidst a Quaker sermon subtly comments on the contrasting religious expressions. Made during a period of strict Catholic dominance in Italy, the artwork provides a window into the way alternative religious movements were viewed and integrated into the artistic imagination. The choice of this subject may also hint at the artist’s critique of the established Church, or, conversely, an exoticisation of non-Catholic beliefs for entertainment. Understanding such a work necessitates historical contextualization: exploring the social and religious tensions of the period, delving into Magnasco’s artistic choices, and investigating the early reception of Quakerism in Italy. This helps us reveal the complex interplay of cultural, religious, and artistic forces at play.