Is The Miracle of St. Genevieve under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

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Quick Facts

Dimensions: 296 x 438 cm
Medium: Oil on canvas
Artistic style: Modern Baroque
Subject or theme: Community, shelter, and religious miracle
Notable elements or techniques: Grisaille, gold and black tones
Artist: Josep Maria Sert i Badia

A Vision of Divine Protection

In the grand tapestry of early twentieth-century muralism, few works command the room with such profound spiritual gravity as Josep Maria Sert i Badia’s The Miracle of St. Genevieve. Created in 1916, this monumental oil on canvas serves as a breathtaking window into a moment of celestial intervention and human solidarity. The composition centers on the saintly figure of Genevieve, who acts as a beacon of hope amidst a gathering of souls. As she holds an umbrella aloft, providing a sanctuary of shade or shelter for those huddled beneath her care, the painting transcends a mere historical depiction to become a universal symbol of compassion. The way the light interacts with the figures suggests a world caught between the harshness of external elements and the warmth of communal protection, inviting the viewer to feel the very essence of being sheltered by grace.

The technical mastery displayed in this piece is nothing short of extraordinary, reflecting Sert’s unique position within the modern baroque movement. While many of his contemporaries were moving toward abstraction, Sert utilized a sophisticated approach that drew inspiration from the Italian Renaissance masters he studied in Rome. The painting exhibits a masterful command of scale and depth, utilizing a palette that emphasizes texture and form to create a sense of sculptural presence. His ability to manipulate light and shadow—a technique reminiscent of the dramatic chiaroscuro found in classical works—gives the figures a weight and permanence that makes them feel as though they are stepping out from the canvas itself. For the discerning collector, this piece offers a rare opportunity to possess a work that embodies the grandeur of muralist tradition within a format suitable for the most prestigious interior settings.

A Masterpiece for the Modern Interior

Beyond its historical and religious significance, The Miracle of St. Genevieve possesses an aesthetic versatility that makes it a cornerstone piece for high-end interior design. The painting’s immense scale—measuring an impressive 296 x 438 cm—allows it to function as a transformative focal point in large-scale architectural spaces, such as grand foyers, library halls, or formal dining rooms. The composition's inherent sense of movement and the rhythmic arrangement of the figures create a dynamic energy that can breathe life into minimalist or classical decor alike. It is a work that does not merely decorate a wall; it defines the atmosphere of an entire room, imparting a sense of history, culture, and intellectual depth.

For those seeking to curate a collection of fine art reproductions, this work represents the pinnacle of emotive storytelling. The emotional impact of the piece lies in its ability to evoke feelings of togetherness and resilience. In an era where art often feels fragmented, Sert’s vision of community under a shared canopy offers a timelessly comforting narrative. Whether placed in a contemporary gallery-style home or a more traditional estate, this reproduction serves as a profound conversation starter, inviting guests to contemplate the enduring power of faith, the beauty of the Catalan modernism movement, and the sheer brilliance of one of Spain's most celebrated muralists.

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

early life and training

josé maría sert, a renowned spanish muralist, was born on december 21, 1874, in barcelona, spain. as the son of an affluent textile industry family, he was exposed to the world of art from a young age. sert's early training in modernism and his descent from the catalan renaixença (renaissance) laid the foundation for his unique style.

artistic career

sert's work is characterized by its use of grisaille, often in gold and black, which sets him apart from his contemporaries. his modern baroque murals have achieved international recognition, adorning the walls of prominent buildings such as:

the league of nations (geneva)
rca building in rockefeller center (new york city)
waldorf-astoria hotel (new york city)

notable works and collaborations

sert's collaboration with fellow catalan artists miguel utrillo, ramón casas, and santiago rusiñol, as well as his time in rome studying italian renaissance masters, further solidified his artistic style. one of his most notable works is el invierno o américa, a painting that showcases his innovative approach to muralism.

museums and collections

sert's work can be found in various museums, including the museo nacional centro de arte reina sofía in madrid. this renowned art museum is dedicated to showcasing 20th-century art, with a particular focus on spanish artists.

legacy and influence

sert's tumultuous life has been the subject of two biographies, which outline his charisma and erudition that enabled him to move in circles of high parisian society. his friendships with notable figures like guillaume apollinaire, marcel proust, and paul verlaine further solidify his influence on the art world.

view sert's artwork at ArtsDot.com
learn more about sert's life and work at wikipedia
explore the museo nacional centro de arte reina sofía collection at ArtsDot.com

conclusion

josep maria sert i badia's innovative approach to muralism and his use of grisaille style have left a lasting impact on the art world. his work, showcased in prominent museums and collections, continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike.

josep maria sert i badia

1874 - 1945 , Spain

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Impressionism
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Pierre-Auguste Renoir
- Post-Impressionism
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Eugène Boudin
- John Constable
- Joseph Mallord William Turner
Date Of Birth: November 14, 1840
Date Of Death: December 5, 1926
Full Name: Claude Oscar Monet
Nationality: French
Notable Artworks:
- Impression, Sunrise
- Water Lilies series
- Rouen Cathedral series
Place Of Birth: Le Havre, France

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Josep Maria Sert I Badia: The Full Collection

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Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $30

H24-SILVER $30

H36-GOLD $45

H36-SILVER $45

Framed

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Total Price

$ 63

Summary

Giclée / Art Print

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Reproduction Frame

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Urgent

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Total Price

$ 63

Quick Facts

A Vision of Divine Protection

A Masterpiece for the Modern Interior

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

early life and training