Who painted Saint Agathe (Saint Agatha)?

Saint Agathe (Saint Agatha) was painted by Pierre Roche in 1921.

Where can I see Saint Agathe (Saint Agatha)?

Saint Agathe (Saint Agatha) is held by National Gallery of Art.

Artwork

Saint Agathe (Saint Agatha)

Pierre Roche , 1921

Saint Agathe (Saint Agatha) is a print by Pierre Roche. It dates from 1921 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Created in 1921, *Saint Agathe* is a print executed with the gypsograph process.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1921, *Saint Agathe* is a print executed with the gypsograph process. French artist Pierre Roche, whose career spanned sculpture, painting, ceramics and medal work, produced this religious image of the early Christian martyr Saint Agatha. The work reflects his multidisciplinary background and his interest in devotional subjects.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents Saint Agatha, a 3rd‑century martyr venerated for her steadfast faith. Roche’s portrayal emphasizes her serene dignity, aligning with traditional iconography that highlights her role as a protector of the vulnerable and a symbol of spiritual perseverance.

Technique & Style

Roche employed the gypsograph technique, a method that uses a gypsum‑based medium to achieve fine tonal variations on paper. The print exhibits a restrained palette and precise line work, characteristic of Roche’s broader practice that balances sculptural solidity with painterly nuance.

History & Provenance

Pierre Roche, originally trained in medicine and chemistry, shifted to art after studying at the Académie Julian under Alfred Roll. He first exhibited at the Paris Salon and began his sculptural career in 1888, receiving mentorship from Jules Dalou. *Saint Agathe* entered his print oeuvre during a period of expanding religious commissions.

Context

The early 1920s in France saw a renewed interest in religious art following World War I, as artists sought to address collective trauma through spiritual themes. Roche’s *Saint Agathe* fits within this milieu, reflecting both personal devotion and the broader cultural turn toward sacred subjects in post‑war artistic production.

Artist & collection

Artist

Pierre Roche

Pierre Roche (Paris, 2 August 1855 – Paris, 18 January 1922), pseudonym of Pierre Henry Ferdinand Massignon, was a French sculptor, painter, ceramist and medallist.