Artwork

Saint Roch between Saints Anthony Abbot and Catherine of Alexandria

Saint Roch between Saints Anthony Abbot and Catherine of Alexandria is a gouache drawing by the Renaissance artist Raffaellino del Garbo. It dates from 1490 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Raffaellino del Garbo's 'Saint Roch between Saints Anthony Abbot and Catherine of Alexandria' is a religious drawing executed in gouache and brown wash heightened with white on laid paper, dating to circa 1490.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts three saints standing together against a green, grassy backdrop: Saint Anthony Abbot (left, identifiable by his long white beard and brown robe), Saint Roch (center, distinguished by his staff and halo), and Saint Catherine of Alexandria (right, characterized by her light-colored robe, red scarf, and halo). The composition conveys a sense of harmony among the saints.

Technique & Style

The artist employed soft, matte colors through gouache, achieving textured effects on the saints' robes. An ornate, gold-leaf border frames the figures, with a pointed arch accentuating the central saint. The style reflects a blend of delicacy and ornateness typical of late 15th-century Italian religious art.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1490, the drawing's early history and ownership records are not detailed here, highlighting a gap in documented provenance prior to its current status.

Context

This drawing reflects the devotional practices and artistic trends of late 15th-century Italy, where the veneration of saints and the use of gouache for religious themes were prevalent.

Legacy

While not extensively detailed here, the work contributes to the broader understanding of Raffaellino del Garbo's oeuvre and the evolution of religious art in Renaissance Italy.