Saint Roch at right distributing alms to a group of people gathered around him, after Annibale Caracci 1590 - 1610

Francesco Brizio rendered this drawing, Saint Roch Distributing Alms, after Annibale Carracci. Observe Saint Roch, a figure of charity, distributing alms. This act, deeply rooted in Christian virtue, is an echo of ancient Roman traditions of patronage, where elites provided for their communities. The giving of alms is also a practice that appears in ancient Greek culture as an essential element of hospitality to strangers. Consider, too, how the motif of giving appears in other contexts. Take, for instance, representations of Venus, the Roman goddess of love and prosperity, often depicted bestowing gifts upon mortals. This act symbolizes divine favor. The symbol of the offering transcends time, embodying the human impulse to connect, to care, and to seek favor. This image taps into our collective memory, stirring feelings of compassion and thankfulness, a potent blend that binds us to the past and to each other.