Half Figure of a Female Saint 1728 - 1781

Ubaldo Gandolfi rendered this ink drawing of a saint, eyes lifted to the heavens, sometime in the 18th century. Above her, clouds part to reveal divine light, a common symbol of revelation and grace. The upward gaze—*Augenblick*—is a recurring motif throughout art history. Think of Bernini’s Saint Teresa, lost in ecstasy, or even earlier, the figures in medieval Byzantine mosaics, all directing their sight upwards toward the divine. This posture transcends mere representation, tapping into a collective memory of spiritual yearning. The gesture signifies a surrender to higher powers, yet also embodies a potent emotional charge. The saint's rapturous expression invites us to contemplate our own search for meaning. It is a poignant reminder that art serves as a mirror, reflecting our deepest desires and fears. Through the continuous recycling of certain postures we are reminded that our cultural psyche is always with us.