Saint Cajetan of Thiene Interceding for Victims of the Plague n.d.

This drawing, made with pen and brown ink with gray wash over graphite, depicts "Saint Cajetan of Thiene Interceding for Victims of the Plague." Though the artist is anonymous, their work provides a window into the social and spiritual anxieties of a time marked by devastating epidemics. The plague, a recurring horror in European history, didn't just bring disease; it brought social upheaval, economic collapse, and profound questions about faith and morality. Here, Saint Cajetan, known for his work with the poor and the sick, is shown as an intercessor, a figure who stands between the suffering populace and divine mercy. The drawing asks us to consider how societies grapple with mass suffering and the roles that religion and its figures play in providing solace and meaning. How does the drawing reflect the power dynamics of its time? How does it invite us to reflect on our own responses to crises, both past and present?