St. Charles Borromeo Giving Communion to the Plague-Stricken 1630 - 1690

Charles Le Brun's "St. Charles Borromeo Giving Communion to the Plague-Stricken" is a pencil drawing depicting the Saint kneeling and administering communion to a plague victim while others lie sick around them. This drawing, which is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, likely served as a preparatory study for a larger painting. The scene portrays the dedication and compassion of Saint Charles Borromeo, who was a cardinal and Archbishop of Milan during a plague epidemic, known for his work in alleviating suffering. Le Brun's draftsmanship captures the pathos and solemnity of the scene, with the artist using subtle shading to create a sense of depth and volume. This artwork showcases Le Brun's skills as a draftsman and his interest in religious subjects.