Saint Roch in the Cloisters, October 2009

Saint Roch
Oak with paint and gilding
France, Normandy, early 16th century
Probably from Cherbourg Cathedral

Accession Number: 25.120.239.a,b

Roch, a pilgrim saint and the patron of those suffering from disease, is shown with a plague sore. According to legend, a dog brought food to the saint and licked his sores, after which Roch was miraculously cured. The elaborate patterning of the tunic, the anatomical naturalism in the detailing of the exposed limbs, and the slightly mannered S curve in the figure’s stance are characteristic of the enduring Late Gothic style.

Text from the Cloisters label.