De heilige Elisabeth van Hongarije bezoekt de zieken 1525 - 1565

This engraving by Nicolas Beatrizet captures Saint Elizabeth of Hungary visiting the sick. The central motif is the act of charity itself, symbolized by Elizabeth’s gentle touch towards the afflicted. Consider the gesture of supplication. The kneeling figure, hands raised in appeal, echoes across centuries, from ancient Roman orators to Renaissance depictions of biblical scenes. Yet, here, it is directed not to a god or emperor, but to a fellow human being. It speaks to the power dynamics inherent in acts of giving, and how the recipient often embodies a vulnerability as profound as religious piety. This echoes the cyclical nature of human suffering and compassion. Beatrizet masterfully portrays a scene laden with emotion, engaging viewers on a deeply subconscious level. The expressions of despair, hope, and gratitude create a powerful tableau that transcends time, reminding us of our shared humanity.