Saint Nicholas of Bari and the Three Poor Girls 1587

Cristofano Cartaro created this print, Saint Nicholas of Bari and the Three Poor Girls, sometime in the late 16th century. The composition is divided, with the saint on the left and an interior scene of huddled figures on the right, unified by a network of fine lines and hatching, typical of engravings. The use of light and shadow enhances the emotional tone of despair. The linear precision and formal arrangement draw attention to the architecture and the figures within. Note how the artist contrasts the active pose of Saint Nicholas with the static, despondent postures of the girls, their bodies mirroring the weight of their poverty. The saint's halo disrupts fixed meanings. The artist suggests an intercession of the divine into the human realm, challenging our understanding of charity and social justice. Consider the fine detail of the engravings, like the drapery, creating depth and texture, but also functioning as a sign of social and economic status. The contrast between the figures in poverty and the implied wealth of Saint Nicholas, compels us to reflect on the role of wealth, poverty and compassion.