Science and Charity 1897

Pablo Picasso painted "Science and Charity" in Barcelona. Though undated, it was likely completed in 1897. Here we see an image of a sick woman attended by a doctor and a nun with a child. The painting presents a contrast between the supposed objectivity of science, represented by the doctor, and the compassion of charity, embodied by the nun. Painted in Spain during a time of social upheaval and debate about the role of the Catholic Church, this image subtly comments on the social structures of its time. The inclusion of the doctor suggests an emerging faith in scientific progress, while the nun represents traditional charitable care. Understanding art requires attention to the social conditions that shaped its production. Historical records, biographies, and cultural studies can provide valuable insights into the context and meaning of art like this, reminding us that art’s significance evolves with social and institutional context.