Saint Roch 1756

Francesco Bartolozzi’s 1756 engraving, “Saint Roch,” depicts the patron saint of plague victims in a moment of healing. Saint Roch is shown standing with a staff and a dog at his side, as he reaches down to cure a plague-stricken man. The scene is full of drama, with the sick man lying on the ground, surrounded by a crowd of people, and the saint's face showing a mix of determination and compassion. The scene's central focus is on the healing power of the saint, symbolizing hope and faith in the face of suffering. The engraving is a powerful example of Bartolozzi's skill as a printmaker and his understanding of religious imagery, showing the artistic influence of the Italian Baroque period.