Saint Rosalia (Anthony van Dyck) facts for kids
The painting Saint Rosalia was created by the famous artist Anthony van Dyck around the year 1625. It's an oil painting on canvas. This artwork was first owned by a collector named Giovan Francesco Serra di Cassano. Later, in 1664, it was bought by Philip IV of Spain, who was the King of Spain at the time. He bought it through his representative in Naples, Gaspar de Bracamonte. Today, you can see this painting in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, Spain.
This painting is part of a series of artworks that Van Dyck made featuring Saint Rosalia. He painted these during the mid-1620s when he was in Palermo, a city in Italy. At that time, a serious illness was spreading, and he was unable to leave the city. While there, he was inspired by another artist named Pietro Novelli, who was also in Palermo.
About the Painting
This painting uses a similar design to three other works by Van Dyck that also show Saint Rosalia. Those paintings are now in Palermo, London, and Houston. However, this version is unique because it shows Saint Rosalia holding a skull in her left hand. Also, instead of showing her full body, this painting shows her from the waist up. All these paintings were part of a special art show at the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London in 2011 and 2012.
See also
In Spanish: Santa Rosalía (Antonio van Dyck) para niños
- List of paintings by Anthony van Dyck
