Saint Roch 1605

Oliviero Gatti created the engraving, Saint Roch, sometime between 1610 and 1630. Gatti, whose life was cut short in his early twenties, lived during a period marked by significant social and religious upheaval. Saint Roch was a figure often invoked during times of plague; here he’s shown with the sores of the disease on his leg. It is believed an angel healed him. The inclusion of the dog is not accidental, as legend has it that it brought him bread and licked his wounds. This image of Saint Roch speaks to themes of suffering, healing, and divine intervention. During outbreaks of plague, people turned to religion for solace, seeking comfort in the belief that faith could offer protection. This engraving is thus a poignant reminder of the human desire for hope and salvation in the face of overwhelming adversity. While it speaks to a specific historical moment, its exploration of illness, faith, and resilience remains relevant to our own experiences of vulnerability and the search for meaning in times of crisis.