Old Master Drawings

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Lot 204
  • 204

Flemish School circa 1700

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Description

  • Flemish School
  • a jesuit missionary preaching to manchurian children in an extensive landscape
  • gouache on vellum, laid down on panel
  • 154 by 206 mm

Catalogue Note

The Jesuits were founded in 1534 with the aim of fostering reform within the Catholic Church and of sending missionaries loyal to the Pope across the non-Christian world.  The first mission to reach China was headed by Michele Ruggieri and Marco Ricci in 1582, and swiftly resulted in the foundation of a successful Christian community.  This gouache clearly depicts a Jesuit in the act of teaching: the order believed education to be their most powerful tool, and ran numerous schools which were free to all.  Communities continued to thrive until the dissolution of the order in 1773.