Miracle of the Roses
Annibale Carracci·1605
Historical Context
Miracle of the Roses (c. 1604-05), in the Museu Nacional d'Art de Catalunya, depicts one of the miracles associated with Saint Diego of Alcalá — likely the transformation of food into roses when the saint was caught taking provisions to the poor. The miracle of the roses, common to several saints, symbolized the divine approval of charitable acts concealed from disapproving superiors. Annibale treats this charming miracle with characteristic warmth and naturalistic conviction, the supernatural transformation presented as a moment of everyday wonder. The painting belongs to the Diego of Alcalá series painted for the Spanish community in Rome.
Technical Analysis
Roses tumble from the saint's garment in a cascade of pink and red that provides the composition's brightest color accent. The witnesses react with convincingly varied expressions, from astonishment to reverent awe, each face individually characterized.
