Who painted Saint Charles Borromeo attending to the ill?

Saint Charles Borromeo attending to the ill was painted by Franciszek Smuglewicz in 1796.

Where can I see Saint Charles Borromeo attending to the ill?

Saint Charles Borromeo attending to the ill is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

What movement is Saint Charles Borromeo attending to the ill?

Saint Charles Borromeo attending to the ill is associated with Neoclassicism.

Artwork

Saint Charles Borromeo attending to the ill

Franciszek Smuglewicz , 1796

Saint Charles Borromeo attending to the ill is an oil painting by the Neoclassicist artist Franciszek Smuglewicz. It dates from 1796 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Saint Charles Borromeo attending to the ill is a 1796 oil painting by Franciszek Smuglewicz, a prominent Polish-Lithuanian artist of the neoclassical period. The work exemplifies his contribution to Lithuanian art and Polish historicist painting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Saint Charles Borromeo, a 16th-century saint, tending to the sick and injured, surrounded by assistants and the afflicted. The scene conveys a sense of compassion and care, highlighting the saint's ministry.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work features a muted palette with earth tones and vibrant reds, characteristic of Smuglewicz's style. Notably, the artist employed chiaroscuro to create depth and emotional emphasis (see Smuglewicz's broader use of this technique for further insight).

History & Provenance

Created in 1796, the painting is now part of the National Museum in Warsaw's collection, reflecting its significance in Polish-Lithuanian artistic heritage.

Context

Painted during the neoclassical period, the work aligns with Smuglewicz's engagement with historical and religious themes, bridging artistic trends of his time with local cultural narratives.

Legacy

As one of Smuglewicz's religious genre works, it contributes to his legacy as a pioneer in Lithuanian and Polish art, though its specific impact on broader artistic movements is less defined.