St. Philippe 1620

Georges de la Tour painted St. Philippe in oil on canvas, possibly in Lorraine, France, during the first half of the 17th century. This image of a saint departs from earlier, grander depictions. We find a humble, elderly man, deep in thought, clutching a simple wooden cross to his chest. This simplicity reflects changes within the Catholic Church at the time. As a result of the Protestant Reformation and the Council of Trent, there was a renewed emphasis on personal piety and Christ's sacrifice. Artists were now called upon to produce more relatable religious imagery. To better understand the context in which La Tour was working, we might consult parish records and the writings of contemporary theologians. Art historians continue to explore such questions about the social function of art and its meanings as tied to specific cultural and institutional frameworks.