Saint Gregory in His Study (verso)

Defendente Ferrari's Saint Gregory in His Study presents the great Church Father and pope engaged in scholarly work, the dove of divine inspiration whispering the Holy Spirit's guidance into his ear — a traditional attribute distinguishing Gregory from other scholar-saints. Gregory the Great, credited with codifying the Gregorian chant and advancing the conversion of the Germanic peoples, was among the four Latin Doctors of the Church. Ferrari's intimate study scene, with its precise rendering of books and writing implements, reflects the scholarly devotion promoted by the Church to its educated patrons.

The devotional composition is rendered with attention to the expressive and contemplative qualities that served the painting's function as an aid to prayer and meditation.