18th century] · [Italy?
by MIXED MEDIA - [IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA, Saint]
[Italy?, 18th century]. An oval medallion gouache portrait of St. Ignatius of Loyola on parchment (56 x 46 mm.), backed in paper (visible on verso) and set within an oval border of gold ribbon, metallic gold embroidery, and parallel silver ribbons, displayed behind a vitrified brass plaque (194 x 138 mm.), enameled in gold with a wreath surrounded by volutes and stylized leaves with touches of red highlighting, the winged bust of a cherub at the foot, the inner "recessed" part of the frame left transparent and painted with a diaper pattern behind which is visible a silvery wale textile, the outer background painted black; on the verso the backing of blackened parchment(?) is visible, with at center the stitched and taped-on paper backing to the medallion***
Vitrified brass, parchment, gold paint, textile, paper ... this carefully constructed and visually effective devotional image is an outlier both materially and iconographically. The founder of the Jesuit order is shown in his usual black cassock, on a blue background with a subtly glowing halo. He touches a holy image of the Virgin which hangs around his neck on a blue string. Her blue attire and the blue of the sky behind her mirror the background of the main portrait. The image of Mary alludes to the Saint's vision, but its presence is unusual, Ignatius being more often shown holding a book, often bearing the IHS monogram. This depiction of a holy image within a holy image was intended to move the viewer to a state of heightened devotion.
In further visual cross-references, the silver-striped cloth echoes the silver strips immediately framing the portrait, and the gold of the enameled volutes reflects the more discreetly rich gold of the embroidered frame. These various media set the sober portrait in reserve from its boisterous frame, creating depth and fostering a meditative state of mind in the viewer. (Inventory #: 4294)
Vitrified brass, parchment, gold paint, textile, paper ... this carefully constructed and visually effective devotional image is an outlier both materially and iconographically. The founder of the Jesuit order is shown in his usual black cassock, on a blue background with a subtly glowing halo. He touches a holy image of the Virgin which hangs around his neck on a blue string. Her blue attire and the blue of the sky behind her mirror the background of the main portrait. The image of Mary alludes to the Saint's vision, but its presence is unusual, Ignatius being more often shown holding a book, often bearing the IHS monogram. This depiction of a holy image within a holy image was intended to move the viewer to a state of heightened devotion.
In further visual cross-references, the silver-striped cloth echoes the silver strips immediately framing the portrait, and the gold of the enameled volutes reflects the more discreetly rich gold of the embroidered frame. These various media set the sober portrait in reserve from its boisterous frame, creating depth and fostering a meditative state of mind in the viewer. (Inventory #: 4294)
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