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Francisco De Goya Saint Ambrose Essay

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"Saint Ambrose", painted by Francisco de Goya, represents the Catholic Church's power in Spain during the eighteenth century. The painting is a large and extravagant piece of artwork that, taking three years to produce, must have cost a small fortune. However, this is the purpose of painting. In the eighteenth century, the Catholic Church's presence in the lives of the general Spanish population had begun to falter. To restore interest and broadcast to the country how powerful it still was, it displayed wealth where ever possible. The size suggests that it hung from a high location, possibly a church wall, but its original location is unknown. Goya's work captures the holy nature and powerful essence that the Church exuded at the time. Goya achieved the goal set out for him by his employer, the Catholic Church, in creating a stunning piece of art that was able to display their glory with great magnitude. Goya uses many artistic techniques to draw attention to Saint Ambrose. One of the most prominent is the shading and stark contrasts. Another aspect of the painting that draws focus to Ambrose is the solid black background, leaving nothing in the painting to examine but the saint and his work. To contrast the black background white and gold, two of the brightest available colors, are placed …show more content…

Saint Ambrose was a very influential person in the growth of Christianity, living from AD 340-391. Dressed in white and golden robes, he appears to writing in a golden book. Goya emphasizes the importance of the book, and possibly religious literature such as the bible in general, by placing it in the very center. From the corners of the saint, golden lines create an x-shape and draw the eye of the viewer towards the book. Ambrose appears to be looking upwards, most likely symbolizing his connection to God. He also seems strained, possibly concentrating, as if he even writing down what God is telling

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