Artwork Page for The Miracles of Saint James the Greater

Details / Information for The Miracles of Saint James the Greater

The Miracles of Saint James the Greater

1726

Noël Nicolas Coypel

(French, 1690–1734)
Culture
France, 18th century
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
Framed: 129.5 x 107.5 x 10.5 cm (51 x 42 5/16 x 4 1/8 in.); Unframed: 102 x 80.7 cm (40 3/16 x 31 3/4 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Felix Wildenstein 1929.96
Public Domain
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Location
215 French, German, and Dutch
Print

Description

Noël Nicolas Coypel combined two stories associated with Saint James the Greater, one of the twelve apostles of Christ. In the foreground is the magician Hermogenes, begging forgiveness. Hermogenes had cast a spell on James, but the saint turned the curse back on him. When James offered to protect Hermogenes against the demons assaulting him, the magician cast aside his pagan texts in favor of Christianity. According to the second legend, James miraculously cured a paralytic man (in the middle ground at right), thereby averting his own execution and causing the prosecutor to convert. Although this painting is relatively small, the clear composition, grand architectural setting, and dignified and expressive poses of the figures endow it with monumental presence.
Vertically oriented oil painting depicting Saint James the Greater, a bearded man holding a staff in his left hand and raising his right to the side. He looks down at Hermogenes, a man bowing before him on his knees and elbows, hands clasped in front of his face. To James's left, a shirtless man leans back, looking up. More people gesticulate behind, including on the balcony of a background building. All have light skin tones.

The Miracles of Saint James the Greater

1726

Noël Nicolas Coypel

(French, 1690–1734)
France, 18th century

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