Chapelle du Calvaire in de Église Saint-Roch before 1840

Jean-Baptiste Arnout created this print of the Chapelle du Calvaire in the Église Saint-Roch. The print captures an architectural space laden with religious significance, framed within the pages of a book. The historical context is rich: Arnout, working in the 19th century, presents us with a scene deeply embedded in French religious and cultural life, where the church played a central role in both public and private spheres. The chapel itself, dedicated to the Calvary, evokes the suffering and sacrifice central to Christian belief. How does Arnout engage with these traditional representations? The use of printmaking, a medium accessible to a wide audience, suggests an effort to disseminate and perhaps democratize religious imagery. As you look at the work, consider the emotional weight carried by this image, how the artist balanced tradition and innovation to convey spiritual narratives. This piece reflects both the societal importance of religion in 19th-century France, and the personal, contemplative dimensions of faith.