Christian History Magazine-Issue 15; St. Augustine of Hippo
Incidentally, this portrayal of Augustine bears a striking resemblance to a portrait found in the notebook of the Christian philosopher Boethius, who died in 524 A.D., less than 100 years after Augustine’s death.
Both portraits are thought to be taken from a likeness of Augustine prepared for his signet ring. The saint refers to this ring in what is today called Letter 59, wherein he notes the signet, when applied to a seal, “embosses the face of a man turned to the side.” Very likely, as this was common custom, the face on the ring was that of the ring-owner.
In this image, Augustine is dressed in a tunic, mantle and sandals, thus being depicted as a scholar rather than as a bishop. In his left hand he holds a scroll; with his right hand on the lectern in front of him. The scroll alludes OT his own works; the great book to the greatest of books, the Bible.
The Latin inscription on the bottom reads: “The different fathers said different things, but with Roman eloquence this man said all things, thundering forth the sense of the mysteries.”* The painter did not think it necessary to affix Augustine’s names to the painting. The laudatory inscription made it obvious to whom he was referring.
“The Oldest-Known Portrait of St. Augustine.” Christian History Magazine-Issue 15: St. Augustine of Hippo 1987 : n. pag. Print.
Comments