Saint Aloysius Gonzaga holding a crucifix, with an angel holding a crown at left

Art Historical Context

Behold *Saint Aloysius Gonz holding a crucifix, with angel holding a crown at*, a striking 18th-century print through etching and engraving by Italian artists Giambettinoignaroli and Joseph. Dated between 1725 and1780, this intimate work measures just 10¼ × 7⅜ inches, making it a portable devotional treasure from the Metropolitan Museum of Art Drawings and Prints collection, acquired through the Rogers Fund in 1962. The image captures the young Jesuit saint, canonized in 1726, in a moment of pious contemplation with a crucifix, while an angel offers a crown of martyrdom—symbolizing his vow of chastity and heroic death from plague at age 23 in 1591. Such prints were vital in the Counter-Reformation era, spreading veneration among the faithful through affordable reproductions, blending spiritual fervor with elegant line work. Etching and engraving techniques here allow for fine detail and tonal depth, showcasing Wagner's mastery in translating Cignaroli's design into a reproducible format. This piece reflects the era's Rococo devotional art, inviting viewers to reflect on sanctity amid everyday life.

About the Artist

Giambettino Cignaroli|Joseph Wagner|Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (Austrian|Italian) · 1770 |1706 –1820 |1770

Austrian, Brussels ca. 1770–1820 Vienna|Italian, 1706–1770