A group of five clergymen speaking with a layman 1675 - 1741

This drawing was made by Giovanni Antonio Pellegrini, sometime between the late 17th and early 18th centuries, using pen and brown ink. During Pellegrini’s lifetime, the Catholic Church wielded enormous power, influencing all aspects of society. Here, we observe a layman in conversation with five clergymen. How might this interaction be shaped by the power dynamics inherent in their respective positions? Is the layman seeking guidance, or perhaps appealing for leniency? The expressions of the clergymen are difficult to decipher, leaving us to ponder the nature of their discussion. Notably, Pellegrini, born in Venice, Italy, was one of the first Venetian painters to visit England. Consider the implications of this encounter between different cultures and religious beliefs. How might Pellegrini’s exposure to the Church of England, which had separated from the Catholic Church, have impacted his work and perspectives on faith and authority? This drawing compels us to reflect on the intersections of power, faith, and individual agency during a time of profound social and religious change.