St. Roch Praying to the Virgin for an End to the Plague (1780) by Jacques-Louis David

St. Roch Praying to the Virgin for an End to the Plague - Jacques-Louis David - 1780

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Artwork Information

TitleSt. Roch Praying to the Virgin for an End to the Plague
ArtistJacques-Louis David
Date1780
Mediumoil,canvas
Dimensions260 x 195 cm
Art MovementNeoclassicism
Current LocationMusée des beaux-arts de Marseille, Marseille, France

About St. Roch Praying to the Virgin for an End to the Plague

The artwork “St. Roch Praying to the Virgin for an End to the Plague” was created by the esteemed artist Jacques-Louis David in 1780. This oil on canvas masterpiece, measuring 260 cm by 195 cm, is an excellent representation of the Neoclassical movement. The religious painting is part of the collection at the Musée des beaux-arts de Marseille in Marseille, France, where it is housed for public viewing.

Depicting a poignant scene, the artwork illustrates St. Roch, positioned on the right, engaged in fervent prayer, and looking up towards the Virgin Mary who is shown seated above with the Christ Child. She is clothed in rich red and blue, a traditional iconography for depictions of the Virgin. St. Roch, identifiable by his pilgrim’s staff and the sore on his thigh, is presented with a deeply expressive face full of hope and supplication.

Around him, other victims of the plague can be seen in various states of suffering, capturing the dire conditions of an epidemic with moving realism. The color palette utilized by David is subdued with dramatic lighting, drawing the viewer’s attention to the three central figures—St. Roch, the Virgin, and Child—thus emphasizing the narrative focal point of divine intercession. The composition reflects the principles of Neoclassicism, with its clear lines, rational structure, and reference to classical subject matter. This work serves not only as an expression of faith but also as a historical testimony to the social concerns and artistic sensibilities of the time.

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