Christ Healing the Lepers 1510 - 1563

Andrea Schiavone created this etching, "Christ Healing the Lepers," sometime in the mid-16th century in Venice, Italy. Here, Schiavone gives us an intimate glimpse into the social and cultural values of Renaissance Italy, where religion held immense power. Leprosy, a highly stigmatized disease, not only caused physical suffering but also resulted in social isolation. The image creates meaning through visual codes, religious narratives, and historical associations. Christ's act of healing becomes a powerful symbol of compassion, challenging the social norms that marginalized those afflicted with leprosy. To comprehend the depth of this artwork, we can turn to resources such as historical texts on Venetian society, religious treatises, and medical literature from the period. By studying these materials, we gain insight into the conditions that shaped the production and reception of this print and the role of art in addressing complex social issues.