An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Saint Rochc. 1730–35
Artist: Giambattista Tiepolo (Giovanni Battista Tiepolo)
Italian (Venice), 1696–1770
Saint Roch
17 1/4 x 12 7/8 in. (43.82 x 32.7 cm) (canvas)
25 1/4 x 12 x 4 in. (64.14 x 30.48 x 10.16 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Italy
18th century
Gift of David M. Daniels in memory of Frances H. Daniels
In the gentle embrace of a quiet evening, let us travel back in time to the late 1200s, where a noble lineage gave birth to a young man named Saint Roch. Born to a family of influence in France, his life held every promise of wealth and privilege. Yet, as vibrant as these comforts shimmered, Roch was drawn to a deeper calling—a whisper that beckoned him to a path of compassion.
Before the sun had set on his teenage years, Roch made a monumental decision that shimmered with courage and selflessness. With an open heart, he relinquished his riches, casting aside the trappings of nobility. His mission was clear: to embrace the sick, the suffering, and the downtrodden, offering solace through tender care. With every step he took, he became a wandering pilgrim, adorned with the symbols of his journey—a cockleshell to signify his travels, a humble wallet to carry his meager supplies, and a sturdy staff to aid him as he ventured forth.
But let us pause here, for the essence of Roch's devotion lay not only in his acts but also in the courage it took to face his own vulnerabilities. Picture him, a beacon of hope, yet also human; lifting his robe to reveal a disheartening truth—a plague spot marking his thigh. It is a poignant reminder that in extending a hand to heal others, he did not shield himself from pain.
Stricken by the very affliction he sought to heal, Roch withdrew into the wilderness, a solitary figure amongst the trees and whispers of nature. Here, in the quiet hush of solitude, he found companionship in the most faithful of friends—a dog that, with unwavering loyalty, brought him bread, sustaining him in his darkest hours. Together, they forged a bond, a testament to love and devotion amid despair.
Thus, the story of Saint Roch unfolds—a tapestry woven with sacrifice, compassion, and an unwavering spirit. He became not just a saint for the plague-stricken, but a symbol of hope for humanity, reminding us that even in our own trials, we can find strength to serve others.
About the artist
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