Saint Anthony of Padua with the Infant Jesus

Art Historical Context

This delicate pen and ink drawing captures Saint Anthony of Padua tenderly holding the Christ Child, a beloved subject in Christian art symbolizing humility, devotion, and divine wisdom. Created by the Spanish artist Antonio del Castillo y Saavedra on ivory laid paper, the small-scale work (just 13.9 by 15.4 centimeters) invites close viewing, revealing the intimate bond between the saint and the infant Jesus through gentle gestures and expressive faces. The choice of pen and black ink on layered laid paper highlights the artist’s precise linework and subtle tonal modeling. Such drawings often served as studies for larger paintings or as independent devotional pieces, allowing the artist to explore composition and emotion with remarkable economy. The layered support adds durability while preserving the freshness of the original strokes. As part of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Prints and Drawings collection, this work offers visitors a glimpse into the quiet, contemplative side of religious imagery. Its modest size and refined technique encourage personal reflection, much like the private prayer it was likely meant to inspire.