The Madonna del Suffragio
Technical Details
-
Title
The Madonna del Suffragio -
Author
Salvator Rosa -
Year
1661 - 2 -
Dimensions
cm 285 x 185 -
Inventory
434 -
Room
XXIX
This painting once graced the church of San Giovanni Decollato alle Case Rotte, the seat of the Confraternita dei Disciplini, a sodality of “consolers” whoassisted criminals before and during their execution. The drama and excitement of the scene, its message the last hope of salvation and redemption, was designed to persuade the felons either to repent or to resign themselves to their fate. Rosa mentions the painting in a letter, allowing us to date it to some time between November 1661 and March of the following year.