Saint Roch and the Virgin Interceding with Christ on Behalf of Plague Victims n.d.

Curator: This drawing, held at the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts Saint Roch and the Virgin Interceding with Christ on Behalf of Plague Victims, its creation attributed to Sante Peranda. It’s undated but firmly rooted in Renaissance aesthetics. Editor: It’s incredibly striking. The dynamism of the figures—a mass of bodies caught between suffering and salvation—is quite visceral even in this monochromatic form. The paper itself looks aged, almost like parchment, adding to the gravity. Curator: Exactly. The use of pen, ink, chalk, and gouache on paper emphasizes the immediacy and vulnerability of human existence during a pandemic. It highlights the desperate hope for divine intervention that defined experiences of collective trauma. Editor: There’s something very revealing in that choice of materials. Using humble substances, like ink and chalk—things readily available, as opposed to rich pigments—speaks volumes. And it seems the artist paid close attention to capturing human form. I see a clear distinction between the idealized celestial beings and the suffering mortals below. How did Peranda understand the socioeconomic stratification? Curator: Peranda certainly shows an awareness of the class implications of disease. The drawing serves as a visual text through which we might understand the way gendered religious ideologies shape power during times of crisis. Did devotion have limits determined by status? Did some, more than others, have divine access during such trials? The contrast serves to challenge viewers and perhaps underscore a moral critique embedded within a seemingly devotional artwork. Editor: Fascinating. And from a purely material perspective, it speaks to the function of art as a form of social commentary, made from and accessible to diverse audiences. Did the materials used affect who could potentially see and interact with images like this? Paper would be easier to transport and share, offering potentially broader access. Curator: Indeed. And that's a key consideration in approaching an image about health. Consider also the role of Saint Roch as the intercessor. During historical moments of widespread medical panic, individuals and groups negotiate how religious identities can secure access to care and safety, especially when marginalized by the state. This scene captures and speaks to moments that echo in contemporary discourse. Editor: Absolutely, it offers an unexpectedly intimate perspective on art making's place at the intersection of human needs, faith, and cultural values. Looking closely, it underscores how available the materials are in contrast with the grand subject. Curator: Precisely, looking closer at the materiality reveals that its meanings far exceeds just ink or just chalk, speaking to larger themes of the human condition. Editor: The process is really interesting and how Peranda uses those resources is captivating! Thank you for this insight.