Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Allegories of the Four Continents 1715 - 1760

Felix Anton Scheffler rendered "Saint Ignatius of Loyola and Allegories of the Four Continents" in the 18th century using chalk and gray wash on blue laid paper. It’s a preparatory drawing for a ceiling fresco, reflecting the period’s intense dialogue between religious fervor and European expansion. The drawing depicts Saint Ignatius, founder of the Jesuit order, surrounded by allegorical figures representing Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These figures symbolize the global reach of the Jesuit mission, though they are laden with colonialist undertones, casting the continents as subservient to European religious authority. The upward gaze of Saint Ignatius directs the viewer’s eye to a radiant divine presence. But how do we reconcile the spiritual ecstasy with the historical reality of colonial exploitation? Scheffler’s work offers a window into the complexities of faith, power, and representation during an era of significant global transformation. Ultimately, the drawing invites us to reflect on how religious institutions have shaped—and been shaped by—the narratives of globalization and cultural exchange.