Saint Roch and an Angel
Date1473–1477
Mediumoil on panel
Dimensionspanel: 39.1 x 38.7 cm (15 3/8 x 15 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1951.38
Label Text2003-12-04: SAINT ROCH AND AN ANGEL
Upper Rhenish Master
German, ca. 1475
Oil on wood panel
Museum purchase, 1951.38
This panel was undoubtedly once part of a larger work, most likely with the entire life of the saint. Saint Roch, invoked in time of plague, was especially popular in an age of potential and real epidemic, and as his legend grew, he was frequently the principal subject of altarpieces describing the miraculous events of his career.
A native of Montpellier, France, he performed many miracles in Italy during a plague. He was expelled from one city after falling ill and is frequently shown in the wilderness receiving food from a dog who thus saved his life. This picture presumably represents a later moment when he was himself healed on his return to Montpellier, where he later died in prison. That he was a pilgrim is indicated by his traveling clothes and more specifically by the medals on his hat, mementos of visits to holy sites.ProvenanceWilhelm Henrich, FrankfurtOn View
Not on view
