Saint Carl Borromäus 1657 - 1727

Melchior Steidl created this drawing of Saint Carl Borromäus using pen and brown ink with gray wash on paper. The veneration of saints like Borromäus gained prominence in the 17th century amidst the Counter-Reformation, as the Catholic Church sought to reassert its authority. Borromäus, a cardinal and archbishop of Milan, was canonized in 1610 for his work during the plague. Here, he is depicted ministering to the sick, embodying charity and piety. This drawing serves as a testament to the Church's influence on art and society. The artist seems to be speaking to a culture grappling with disease, death, and the desire for divine intervention. The composition invites us to reflect on the human condition, our vulnerabilities, and our capacity for compassion, and the hope we put in figures who show it. It is a reminder of the emotional power that religious imagery holds. It reflects societal values and beliefs while tapping into our deepest fears and aspirations.