Saint Augustine

Pinturicchio's Saint Augustine from around 1500 depicts the great North African Church Father and Bishop of Hippo whose Confessions and City of God established the theological framework of Western Christianity. Pinturicchio specialized in decorative fresco cycles for papal and aristocratic patrons — most famously the Borgia Apartments in the Vatican and the Piccolomini Library in Siena cathedral — and his panel paintings have the same decorative richness and narrative clarity as his fresco work. Augustine is depicted in the formal bishop's vestments appropriate to his office, holding a book representing his theological writings, his individual face giving the traditional type a specific presence. Pinturicchio's manner, slightly more naive and decorative than his contemporary Perugino, suited the elegant ecclesiastical environments where he worked throughout his career.

The elaborate costume details and ornamental elements reflect Pinturicchio's decorative approach, with bright, clear colors and precise drawing characterizing his Umbrian Renaissance style.