Who painted Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine was painted by Juan Pantoja de la Cruz in 1601.

Where can I see Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Artwork

Saint Augustine

Juan Pantoja de la Cruz , 1601

Saint Augustine is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Juan Pantoja de la Cruz. It dates from 1601 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on identifying the subject through these specific attributes rather than narrative action.

Painted by Juan Pantoja de la Cruz in 1601, this work depicts Augustine of Hippo as its central religious figure. The iconography prominently features a crosier, a staff carried by high-ranking clergy, which serves as a traditional symbol of the saint's episcopal authority and role as Bishop of Hippo.

As a piece of religious art, the painting functions as a devotional image representing the theological significance and ecclesiastical power associated with the early Church Father. The composition focuses on identifying the subject through these specific attributes rather than narrative action.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas in 1601, the painting employs oil paint to build a matte yet luminous surface over a plain-weave canvas support measuring 264 cm in height and 115 cm in width. The handling combines smooth, blended modeling of the figure’s drapery with incisive linear accents along edges and folds, while the flesh areas are rendered with softly feathered transitions. Stylistically, the composition adheres to Counter-Reformation conventions: a frontal Augustine stands in three-quarter view, his right hand holding a crosier and his left resting on an open book, with a restrained palette and balanced chiaroscuro that directs attention to the saint’s serene, authoritative presence.

History & Provenance

Juan Pantoja de la Cruz executed this oil painting on canvas in 1601. The work, which depicts Augustine of Hippo holding a crosier, was originally held in the collection of the Museo de la Trinidad. It is currently located in the Museo del Prado, where it remains part of the institution's holdings of religious art.

The painting is held by the Museo del Prado, Madrid, with the inventory number P-1138 after its transfer from the Museo de la Trinidad.

It was exhibited in 1999 as part of the exhibition Juan Pantoja de la Cruz y el retrato en la corte de Felipe III held at the Museo del Prado, Madrid.

Overview

The painting 'Saint Augustine' is an oil on canvas work created by Juan Pantoja de la Cruz in 1601. It is a representative example of early Baroque religious art.