Artwork

The Entry of Saint Antoninus into Florence

The Entry of Saint Antoninus into Florence, by Giovanni Balducci, ink, 1596
The Entry of Saint Antoninus into Florence, by Giovanni Balducci, ink, 1596

The Entry of Saint Antoninus into Florence is an ink drawing by the Renaissance artist Giovanni Balducci. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The work titled The Entry of Saint Antoninus into Florence is a pen and brown‑ink drawing, enhanced with brown wash, white highlights and a blue laid paper ground. Executed in 1596, it is attributed to the Italian artist Giovanni Balducci and presents a religious subject in a compact, illustrative format.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts the legendary arrival of Saint Antoninus, a revered figure in Florentine ecclesiastical history, as he enters the city. The scene emphasizes the saint’s sanctity and his connection to Florence, reflecting the devotional purpose of the image.

Technique & Style

Balducci employed fine pen work for the figures, using brown ink to define forms and a subtle brown wash to model volume. White accents provide contrast against the blue laid paper, creating a luminous effect that enhances the narrative detail.

History & Provenance

Created in the late sixteenth century, the drawing is known from archival references to Balducci’s oeuvre. Its survival on blue laid paper suggests it was intended as a preparatory study or a devotional illustration, though its later ownership history remains undocumented.

Artist & collection

Artist

Giovanni Balducci

Giovanni Balducci (1560–1631) was an artist, born in Florence.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.