The artwork titled “St Roch in Prison Visited by an Angel” was created by the artist Tintoretto in 1567. This oil painting on canvas is an example of the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. It is a religious painting with dimensions measuring 300 by 670 centimeters.
The artwork dramatically depicts the biblical scene of St. Roch being visited by an angel while confined in prison. The angel, rendered in a glowing, ethereal light, descends from the upper right of the composition, casting divine illumination upon St. Roch, who is distinguished by his saintly demeanor and attire. Surrounding St. Roch, the dimly lit cell is populated with various prisoners, each engaged in their own moments of despair or contemplation. The use of chiaroscuro is pronounced, with sharp contrasts between the light emanating from the angel and the surrounding darkness, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the visitation. Tintoretto’s typical dynamic compositions and elongated figures are evident, contributing to the overall sense of movement and spiritual intensity within the scene.