The Vision of Saint Eustace, Pisanello (1438)
An elegantly dressed huntsman has been stopped in his tracks by an apparition: a large stag with a Crucifix between its antlers. This is Saint Eustace, a Roman soldier who, while out hunting one day, had a vision of a stag with Christ on a shining cross between its antlers. He converted to Christianity at once.
He doesn't look like a Roman soldier here, though. Pisanello has depicted an Italian prince, in a fantastic blue hat, hunting with his hounds. We do not know who this painting was for, but its small size suggests it was for the private enjoyment of an aristocrat.
