Angelo Caroselli – The Plague at Ashdod (after Poussin) Part 1 National Gallery UK

The composition presents a scene of widespread suffering and societal collapse within what appears to be an urban setting. A palpable sense of chaos permeates the arrangement; figures are strewn across the foreground, exhibiting signs of illness or death. The bodies are rendered with a stark realism that emphasizes their vulnerability and distress. Several individuals lie prostrate on the ground, while others writhe in apparent agony.
The artist has employed a classical architectural backdrop – columns, porticoes, and stairways – to frame this devastation. These structures, typically symbols of order and stability, are rendered here with a muted palette and an air of neglect, suggesting their inability to offer solace or protection amidst the unfolding crisis. The sky is overcast, contributing to the overall atmosphere of gloom and despair.
A central group of figures draws immediate attention. A man in blue robes gestures dramatically towards the scene, seemingly lamenting the tragedy. His posture suggests a role as either an observer or perhaps a leader struggling to comprehend the scale of the disaster. Around him, other individuals display a range of reactions – fear, grief, and resignation.
The use of light is particularly noteworthy. It highlights certain figures while leaving others shrouded in shadow, creating a dynamic interplay between visibility and obscurity. This technique draws attention to specific details – the pallor of the sick, the anguish on their faces – while simultaneously hinting at the pervasive nature of the affliction.
Subtly embedded within this depiction are layers of meaning beyond the immediate portrayal of suffering. The architectural elements evoke a sense of lost grandeur, perhaps alluding to the fragility of civilization and the impermanence of human achievements in the face of overwhelming adversity. The dramatic gestures and expressions of the figures suggest themes of divine punishment or retribution for societal failings. There is an underlying commentary on the vulnerability of humanity when confronted with forces beyond its control – whether those forces are natural, political, or spiritual. The composition’s structure, while seemingly disordered, adheres to a classical framework, which may be intended to elevate the subject matter and imbue it with a sense of timeless significance.