Artwork
Christ Curing a Possessed Man
Christ Curing a Possessed Man is an oil painting by the French Classical Baroque artist Charles-Antoine Coypel. It dates from 1717 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1717 by the French court painter Charles‑Antoine Coypel, this oil on canvas presents a biblical episode in the French Classical Baroque idiom. The composition centers on Christ as he intervenes in a moment of exorcism, surrounded by a small crowd and a stark, rocky landscape. The work is part of the National Gallery of Ireland’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the Gospel narrative in which Jesus heals a man possessed by an evil spirit. Christ, robed in blue, extends his right hand in a gesture of authority, while the afflicted figure lies prone, surrounded by onlookers whose varied reactions underscore the tension between divine power and human fear.
Technique & Style
Coypel employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting the luminous blue of Christ’s garment with the darker, earthy tones of the terrain and sky. This interplay of light and shadow creates depth and heightens the drama of the scene. The palette is vivid yet restrained, typical of the French Classical Baroque’s emphasis on clarity and controlled emotion.
History & Provenance
After its completion, the painting entered the French royal artistic milieu, reflecting Coypel’s role as director of the Académie Royale. It eventually left France and was acquired by the National Gallery of Ireland, where it remains on public display, offering insight into early‑18th‑century French religious painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Charles-Antoine Coypel (French pronunciation: ; 11 July 1694 – 14 June 1752) was a French painter, art critic, and playwright.
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