Standing Male Saint Holding a Chalice c. late 17th century

This drawing at the Minneapolis Institute of Art depicts a standing male saint holding a chalice. The composition emphasizes the saint's form through dynamic, gestural lines and subtle tonal variations of brown ink, giving the figure a sense of weight and presence. The anonymous artist uses line to define the contours of the saint's robe and the chalice. Notice how the hatching and cross-hatching create a play of light and shadow, adding volume to the figure and depth to the folds of the drapery. The saint’s halo is suggested by radiating lines, subtly integrating spiritual and formal elements. The drawing’s minimalist approach prompts questions about representation and spirituality, inviting us to consider how line and form can convey complex ideas. This interplay between aesthetic simplicity and symbolic depth encourages a continual re-evaluation of meaning.