“The Apotheosis of Saint Roch” is a religious painting created by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo around 1740 to 1745. It is an oil painting on canvas, representative of the Rococo art movement, and is housed at the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
The artwork depicts the ascension, or apotheosis, of Saint Roch to a divine realm. The composition is dynamic and heavenly, embodying the ethereal and ornate characteristics of Rococo. Saint Roch is shown being lifted by angels, surrounded by a radiant celestial light. The figures are animated in their movements, portraying a sense of divine intervention and spiritual elevation. The angelic beings are depicted with a sense of grace and fluidity, characteristic of Tiepolo’s masterful use of delicate, yet vibrant color palettes and intricate detailing. The background uses light and shadow to enhance the transcendental atmosphere of the scene. The oval composition further contributes to the harmonious and flowing aesthetic of the painting, drawing the viewer’s focus to the central ascending figure.
