St. Augustine 1620 - 1953

Nicolas Pitau created this print of Saint Augustine without a specified date using engraving. The figure is adorned with symbols of his authority: the bishop's mitre, the crozier, and the book, all signifying wisdom and leadership within the church. Note how Augustine holds a book, a testament to his profound theological contributions. This motif is a powerful emblem resonating through centuries, echoed in depictions of scholars and saints across diverse cultures. Consider the ancient philosophers, often portrayed with scrolls, embodiments of knowledge and contemplation. The book, an object, transcends its physical form to become a potent symbol of intellectual and spiritual pursuit. This symbol carries a psychological weight, reflecting humanity’s deep-seated need to understand and document our experiences, continually reappearing in art, reminding us of our collective quest for knowledge. The enduring presence of these symbols serves as a bridge, connecting us to the past and inviting reflection on our shared human experience.