De heilige Rochus 1630 - 1684

Domenico Maria Canuti created this print of Saint Roch in the 17th century, an era marked by both religious fervor and devastating plagues. Canuti’s image captures a moment of quiet suffering and resilience. Saint Roch, traditionally depicted as a pilgrim who contracted the plague while caring for the sick, is shown with his robe pulled back to reveal a plague sore on his thigh, while a dog lovingly attends to him. This depiction intertwines themes of divine grace and human suffering. Roch’s affliction, a mark of both his suffering and his saintliness, invites reflection on how societies deal with disease and those who are marginalized by it. The tender presence of the dog underscores themes of loyalty and the solace found in companionship, particularly relevant during times of isolation. Canuti's Roch is not just a religious icon, but a figure embodying the complexities of illness, care, and faith in a broken world.