Placidus saved from the water by friar Maurus
Historical Context
This scene of Placidus saved from the water by Friar Maurus from 1656 depicts a miracle from the life of Saint Benedict. The episode, from Gregory the Great's Dialogues, tells how Benedict sent Maurus to rescue young Placidus from drowning, and Maurus walked across the water to save him. Champaigne's technique reflects his Flemish training — precise controlled brushwork, warm flesh tones over light imprimatura, meticulous attention to fabric textures — applied to subjects shaped by his deep i...
Technical Analysis
The aquatic setting is rendered with naturalistic attention to water and light effects, while the miraculous walking on water is depicted with Champaigne's characteristic restraint and plausibility.
