Saint Augustine Subdues Heresy with Lightning Bolts from His Pen

1770s(?) (or 1780s?)

Joseph Hartmann

Associated Names
Joseph Hartmann

Artist, German, 1747 - 1788

This is a painting featuring a complex scene with architectural, human, and possibly mythical elements. In the center, there are figures engaged in various activities within a grand architectural setting with a domed ceiling and columns. A seated figure on a pedestal appears to be writing or marking documents, surrounded by others performing related tasks. On the left, there is a tall architectural feature resembling a spire wrapped with vegetation. The lower portion of the scene includes figures in reclining or active postures, some with exaggerated physical features that could suggest mythical or symbolic themes. The style is reminiscent of a Baroque-inspired artist, characterized by a dramatic composition and detailed ornamentation.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. Herbert Dreyer, Berlin. Richard Tüngel [1893-1970], Ahrensburg. Wolfgang Ratjen, Munich; purchased 2007 by NGA.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2010

  • German Master Drawings from the Wolfgang Ratjen Collection, 1580 - 1900, NGA, 2010, no. 35.

Bibliography

1987

  • Hamacher, Bärbel. Entwurf und Ausführung in der süddeutschen Freskomalerei des 18.Jahrhunderts. Munich, 1987: 101-102, no. 127, fig. 239.

1994

  • Parisi, Jeanette. "Studien zum Leben und Werk des Augsburger Barockmalers Joseph Hartmann mit einem Katalog seiner Fresken." M.A. thesis, Universität Zürich, 1994: 103.

2003

  • Epple, Alois. "Die Fresken von Johann Georg Bergmüller in Katholisch Heilig Kreuz in Augsburg." Materialien zur Bergmüller-Forschung_ 2/3, Türkheim, 2003: 317.

Inscriptions

lower right center in brown ink: Hartmann invinit; center verso in graphite: J Hartmann fec 176

Watermarks

not deciphered

Wikidata ID

Q64591197

You may be interested in

Loading Results