The Virgin and Child, Saint Roch et Saint Sebastian,Ferrara School, Italy

Ferrara School, Italy
The firs half of 16th century

The painting shows the Virgin seated on a throne, with Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch standing on either side of her. The Virgin is holding the baby Jesus in her arms. Both St Sebastian and St Roch are associated with the plague: their images became particularly popular after the epidemic of 1477-79. Both saints have wounds, which were a representation of the buboes of the plague. It is therefore likely that this work was made as a tribute to these saints who, together with the Virgin Mary, helped the Italian cities to fight the epidemic. The painting shows characteristics of the Ferrara school with vivid colours.

Our painting is painted on a poplar panel and bears the stamp of "Accademia di Milano" made during the Austrian occupation (1815-1845).

frame XIX century.72x61cm (painting 43x33cm)