Saint Ambrose, 1623 or 1625, Claude Vignon, French, 1593 - 1670, 73 1/4 x 49 1/2 in. (186.06 x 125.73 cm) (sight)81 1/2 x 59 in. (207.01 x 149.86 cm) (outer frame), Oil on canvas, France, 17th century, Saint Ambrose, who lived in the 4th fourth century, was an important Christian scholar and bishop. Here he is depicted among his books in a forceful pose emphasized by his massive hands. On the table¡¦s edge, a scourge, or whip¡Xthe knotted rope attached to a wooden rod¡Xsymbolizes Ambrose¡¦s fight against heresy. The three knots refer to the doctrine of the Trinity, the concept of one god in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. Claude Vignon made this painting upon returning to Paris after spending over a decade in Italy. The saint¡¦s sumptuous clothing and luminous gold miter (headdress) display a delight in color typical of Vignon¡¦s work from this period.