Charity 1648 - 1719

Carlo Cignani painted ‘Charity’ in the 17th century, a period marked by stark social inequalities where the Catholic Church emphasized charitable acts. Here, Cignani embodies the virtue of ‘Charity’ through a single, idealized, maternal figure surrounded by children. A theme that was not new in the history of art. Yet, it’s worth reflecting on what is not shown: poverty, disease, and the real conditions that made charity so necessary are all absent, replaced by a vision of serenity. The woman’s serene expression and the cherubic children create an image that transcends the earthly struggles of the time. The act of breastfeeding becomes symbolic of the nurturing and life-sustaining role attributed to women. The sleeping child at her feet adds an emotional depth, evoking both vulnerability and trust. Ultimately, this painting invites us to consider the complex interplay between social realities and idealized representations, prompting us to question whose stories are being told and whose are being left out.