Who painted Saint Luke?

Saint Luke was painted by Jean Honoré Fragonard in 1762.

Where can I see Saint Luke?

Saint Luke is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Luke?

Saint Luke is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Saint Luke

Jean Honoré Fragonard , 1762

Saint Luke is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean Honoré Fragonard. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1762, this etching on laid paper by Jean‑Honoré Fragonard depicts a solitary, bearded figure seated on a rugged ledge.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1762, this etching on laid paper by Jean‑Honoré Fragonard depicts a solitary, bearded figure seated on a rugged ledge. He holds an oversized book or scroll, while a small winged child clings to his shoulder and another ethereal winged form hovers nearby. The composition is rendered in a rapid, sketch‑like manner, emphasizing gesture over fine detail.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is identified as Saint Luke, traditionally associated with the authorship of a Gospel and the patronage of artists. The accompanying winged child suggests an angelic attendant, reinforcing the saint’s role as a divine messenger. The juxtaposition of the rugged landscape with the sacred texts underscores the convergence of earthly labor and heavenly inspiration.

Technique & Style

Fragonard employed a layered etching process, building up tone through dense cross‑hatching that models the folds of clothing and the texture of stone. This method, common in 18th‑century printmaking, allows the image to approach the immediacy of a drawing while retaining the reproducibility of a print. The loose line work conveys a sense of spontaneity.

History & Provenance

The work originates from Fragonard’s early period, when he explored religious subjects before turning to the more frivolous themes that later defined his reputation. The etching has remained in private collections and has been documented in several catalogues of the artist’s prints, though its precise ownership trail prior to the 20th century is not fully recorded.