The Virgin and Child Intervening for Victims of the Plague (recto); Seated Female Figure (verso) 1705 - 1741

This drawing was made in the first half of the 18th century by the Italian artist Geronimo Cenatiempo, using pen and gray wash over graphite on cream laid paper. Look closely, and you'll notice the dynamism that Cenatiempo achieves with these simple materials. The graphic quality of the pen lines defines the figures, while the washes give depth and volume. The laid paper provides a subtle texture, enhancing the overall effect. These weren't rare or expensive materials, but that very accessibility allowed Cenatiempo to communicate directly with his audience. The scene depicted is a plea for salvation from the plague, a reminder of the ever-present threat of disease in the pre-modern world. The labor involved in creating this drawing is evident not just in the artist's skill, but in its function as a devotional object – a testament to the power of art to offer solace and hope in times of crisis. By emphasizing the materiality and process behind this drawing, we can appreciate its social context.