Die große Pest zu Neapel im Jahre 1656

drawing, ink, indian-ink

drawing

natural stone pattern

rippled sketch texture

naturalistic pattern

toned paper

baroque

old engraving style

ink

carved into stone

organic pattern

indian-ink

wooden texture

14_17th-century

natural palette

layered pattern

italian

"Die große Pest zu Neapel im Jahre 1656" is a drawing by Giacomo Farelli, depicting the devastating plague that struck Naples in 1656. The artwork contrasts the suffering of the victims below with the divine intervention of angels above, suggesting a sense of both despair and hope. This drawing, located in the Städel Museum, offers a powerful glimpse into the historical and emotional impact of this catastrophic event, using a dynamic composition and emotive figures to convey the weight of the plague.