St Ambrosius på dødslejet 1546 - 1629

This is Camillo Procaccini's drawing of St. Ambrosius on his deathbed, held at the SMK. The sepia ink on paper conveys a stark image of mortality. Note how the composition is structured around linear forms and contrasting textures. The sinuous lines defining the drapery and the bedclothes create a sense of movement, while the stark, angular lines of the architecture establish a rigid background. Light and shadow play across the forms, emphasizing the three-dimensionality of the scene, yet the monochromatic palette mutes any emotional vibrancy, focusing instead on the stark reality of death. Procaccini challenges the viewer through his use of perspective and detail. St. Ambrosius is rendered with deep concern, while figures in the background appear spectral, heightening the atmosphere. The drawing destabilizes the traditional heroic portrayal of saints, presenting a raw, human vision of mortality and inviting reflection on the nature of existence. The cross-hatching in the dark areas and the delicate, light strokes in the highlights underscore a tension between the tangible and the ethereal.