Faces of St. Augustine

Discover the many faces of St. Augustine of Hippo in this inspiring exhibition, where art brings his life and message into focus. Born in 354 AD in North Africa, Augustine has had a profound and lasting impact on the Church, Christianity, theology, philosophy, and religious communities and missionaries around the world and in every context. 

From the earliest known image of Augustine, dating back to the 6th century, to traditional iconography and contemporary works like An Unlikely Aquilegia: North African Saint of Hippo, commissioned by Villanova University in 2022, each piece reflects the enduring portrayal of Augustine and the communities his legacy has impacted. 

For centuries, European Christian art often depicted biblical and early Christian figures with European features, regardless of their geographic and ethnic origins. Whether depicted with his restless heart, bishop’s miter and crosier, Rule of Life, or the divine illumination of Christ’s light, explore how centuries of artists have interpreted the person of Augustine and his message of Truth, Unity, and Love.

A hallway with light-colored wainscoting and a dark blue wall adorned with framed religious artwork stretches into the distance.
Six framed religious icons hang on a dark blue wall in the foreground, with a doorway and a glimpse of another painting visible in the background.
Several framed religious paintings with golden frames hang on a dark blue wall, with a wooden floor visible in the foreground.
Several framed religious paintings with gold trim hang on a dark blue wall, with a light-colored wooden surface visible at the bottom of the frame.
A framed painting of Saint Augustine with a halo and a chalice is displayed next to an informational plaque on a dark blue wall.
Six framed religious paintings hang on a dark blue wall, with a wooden ledge visible at the bottom.
Framed religious paintings hang on a dark blue wall, with one in the foreground depicting a figure in white robes holding a scroll.