Heilung eines Kranken durch einen Bischof 

Pietro da Cortona created this artwork titled Heilung eines Kranken durch einen Bischof using pen and brown ink with white heightening. Cortona lived during a time where the Catholic Church was a major power in Europe and a significant patron of the arts. In this sketch, we see a bishop healing a sick man, surrounded by onlookers. Consider for a moment the power dynamics at play; the bishop, a figure of authority and divine intervention, stands in stark contrast to the vulnerable, ailing man. This juxtaposition speaks to the Church’s role in society, where it held considerable influence over the lives of individuals, offering solace and solutions in times of hardship. The emotional weight of the scene is palpable, with onlookers displaying a range of reactions from hopeful anticipation to devout reverence. As you reflect on this drawing, consider the ways in which art has historically been used to reinforce or challenge established social norms. How does Cortona’s depiction of healing and faith resonate with your own beliefs and experiences?