Artwork
Saint Charles Borromeo Distributing Communion to the Victims of the Plague of 1576 in Milan
Saint Charles Borromeo Distributing Communion to the Victims of the Plague of 1576 in Milan is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Jean-Baptiste-Marie Pierre. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: P.f.; by later hand, lower center below image in graphite: etat; by later hand, lower center verso in graphite: Jean Baptiste Marie Pierre 1713 - 89 / [not deciphered]; 1125; XVII; III p. 370 no. 6; 798
About this work
Overview
This etching, created by Jean-Baptiste-Marie Pierre in 1760, depicts a poignant scene from the plague of 1576 in Milan. Held at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, it is a proof touched with black ink on laid paper.
Subject & Meaning
The scene shows Saint Charles Borromeo administering communion to plague victims, conveying a sense of urgency and drama through the crowded composition and expressive figures.
Technique & Style
Pierre employed fine lines to capture the texture of clothing and skin, while deep contrasts of light and shadow add depth and emotional intensity to the scene.
Context
The etching references a historical event, the 1576 plague in Milan, and a significant figure, Saint Charles Borromeo, highlighting the Catholic Church's response to the crisis.
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Artist & collection
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