Who painted Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine was painted by German 15th Century in 1485.

Where can I see Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Saint Augustine?

Saint Augustine is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Saint Augustine

German 15th Century , 1485

Saint Augustine is an ink print by the Renaissance artist German 15th Century. It dates from 1485 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. The work is a hand‑colored woodcut depicting a robed figure wearing a tall, pointed hat and holding a staff, positioned on a riverbank.

About this work

Overview

The work is a hand‑colored woodcut depicting a robed figure wearing a tall, pointed hat and holding a staff, positioned on a riverbank. A small child reaches toward the figure, while a modest village and trees recede into the background beneath a blue sky, all framed by an orange border. The image employs bright, though partially faded, hues of red, blue, gold, green, yellow, and orange.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is identified as Saint Augustine, a prominent early Christian theologian, presented in a didactic pose that suggests guidance or instruction toward the child. The surrounding landscape and simple settlement evoke a humble, earthly setting, reinforcing the saint’s role as a moral teacher within everyday life.

Technique & Style

Executed as a woodcut, the image was created by carving the design into a wooden block, inking the surface, and pressing it onto paper. After printing, the artist applied hand‑applied colors using red lake and other pigments, resulting in a vivid yet slightly weathered palette. The overall appearance is intentionally rough, reflecting the manual, tactile nature of early printmaking.

History & Provenance

The piece is a printed work, typical of early modern devotional imagery circulated for private contemplation. While specific details of its origin, date, or ownership are not provided, its hand‑colored woodcut technique places it within the broader tradition of religious prints produced for a lay audience.