Epochal letter writing

 

"St. Paul,'' attributed to Guercino (Bologna, 1591-1666) (brown chalk drawing on laid paper), at  Spaightwood Galleries, Upton, Mass.

Here, the gallery notes say, "St. Paul sits at a desk, writing one of his epistles, the sword of his martyrdom leaning against the table upon which he works; an inkpot sits by his book within easy reach.''