Guercino: St. WIlliam of Aquitaine receiving the Cowl (1620) @ Chruch of San Gergorio

Question 1

Which manner was this produced in?

Answer 1

1st

Question 2

Composition

• Figure arrangement
• Panel arrangement
• Formal elements

Answer 2

• Highly ornate
• Figures arranged along the sides of an invisible Lozenge, centre is empty
• Canvas is divided into two sections top (heaven) bottom (earth)
• Light and shade emphasising the delicate colours such as the robe of the monk

Question 3

Description of the subject

Answer 3

• Depicts the scene of st. william of aquitaine receiving the cowl from bishop felix.

Question 4

Figures in Heaven and Eart

Answer 4

• Heaven: Madonna, child, st. james, st. joseph, angel

- Earth: St. william, bishop felix, monk, soldier

Question 5

Significance of the drawings

- How he portrays subjects

Answer 5

• Shows how the artist decided to portray this scene

Question 6

Two figures stood on the right side

Answer 6

• Soldier looking at the monk and monk looking behind him
• Soldier and monk talk and look at the scene
• Face each other

Question 7

Attire of St. William

Answer 7

1. Wearing a robe
2. Wearing armour and the robe over his armour
3. Wearing amour, robe on top of him.

Question 8

Relationship between St. William and Bishop Felix

• Same level looking at Monk and Soldier
• Kneeling
• Final - cross, casual

Answer 8

• Figures are the same level facing the two figures on the right. St. williams wears his armour and the robe on top. Focuses more on his life rather than the receiving.
• Bishop blessed st. william as he kneels on the ground looking at the bishop. Wears his armour but mostly covered with the robe.
• Most similar to the final, cross and madonna & child is removed -> interaction is quite casual.

Question 9

Madonna & Child and Angel

Answer 9

• Different poses of the figures

- Final: Angel points downwards