Saint Sebastian, Saint Anthony, and Saint Roch c. 16th century

Curator: This engraving, by Jean Duvet, depicts Saint Sebastian, Saint Anthony, and Saint Roch. The three figures fill the frame, surrounded by symbolic elements, each evoking their unique iconography. Editor: It strikes me as a rather anxious composition. The figures seem almost claustrophobic. What can you tell me about the significance of these particular saints being grouped together? Curator: In Renaissance art, these saints were often invoked against disease, embodying collective hopes for divine intervention. Sebastian for protection against plague, Anthony for skin diseases, and Roch for infectious illnesses. It reflects a culture grappling with constant outbreaks. Editor: This speaks to a very real historical trauma. These figures offered solace and a sense of agency in the face of uncontrollable forces. It makes you wonder how society then mobilized during times of social and medical crises, and if it's really so different today. Curator: The symbols chosen for them have lasting power. They reflect enduring hopes and fears still relevant today. Editor: Absolutely. It's a potent reminder of our shared human experience.