Saint Francis Meeting Saint Dominic 1699 - 1783

Francisco Vieira de Mattos, also known as Il Lusitano, created this red chalk drawing called Saint Francis Meeting Saint Dominic. Vieira de Mattos was a prominent figure in the Lisbon art scene during the 18th century, a period marked by both religious piety and the rise of Enlightenment ideals. The cultural context of the time saw the Catholic Church as a major patron of the arts, using art to propagate its teachings. Here, Vieira depicts the fabled meeting of Saint Francis and Saint Dominic, founders of the Franciscan and Dominican orders. This representation reflects the intersection of religious devotion and personal identity, with both saints embodying ideals of poverty, humility, and service. Vieira chooses to represent the saints embracing in friendship, and, with the cherubic figures above, evokes a sense of divine approval. This drawing speaks to the enduring relevance of religious narratives in shaping cultural values and personal identities.