Two Saints (Pope and Bishop?) 1600 - 1700

This drawing called "Two Saints (Pope and Bishop?)" was made anonymously, with pen and brown ink, brush and gray wash, over black chalk. The ambiguity of the title already suggests a moment of uncertainty around identity, doesn't it? Consider the role of saints in society, often elevated figures, who, during their lives, navigated complex relationships of power and faith. Note the contrast between the figures' gestures and expressions, each evoking a different emotional response. The artist prompts us to reflect on these figures' identities and the power dynamics inherent in religious authority. What narratives do we construct around them? What about the ways in which these narratives intersect with the history of religious institutions, inviting us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, privilege, and exclusion? It's through this lens that the artist encourages us to engage with art as a mirror reflecting our own biases, assumptions, and desires for a more equitable future.