Saint Ambrose

Saint Ambrose is one of the most influential figures of the Roman Empire and the Christian Church. Upon being elected bishop, he gave away all his funds and property and lived a selfless, ascetic life until his death. An outstanding writer and excellent orator, Ambrose authored many works, mainly of dogmatic, moral and ascetic content. He is venerated in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches. Saint Ambrose is one of the Church Fathers, canonized shortly after his death. The saint is traditionally depicted in episcopal garments. The full-length sculpture is shown in a classic contrapposto pose, holding a pastoral staff in his right hand. The image of a wise, dignified, and spiritually strong man is conveyed through his high forehead, barely frown, low brows, small eyes slightly covered by heavy lids, straight nose, and open mouth. The front-facing figure is rendered in a somewhat slowed movement with a gentle silhouette line. The evenly modelled clothing, arranged in parallel vertical strands, entirely conceals the saint. The reproduction of the cloak’s drapery that envelops the lowered shoulders introduces a slight emotional liveliness to the overall static image.

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery