Saint Gilbert Visits the Sick n.d.

Giovanni Battista Pittoni created this drawing titled 'Saint Gilbert Visits the Sick' sometime in the 18th century. In it, we see Saint Gilbert tending to the ill, a scene rendered with the somber tones of sepia ink and wash. Made in Venice, this artwork is steeped in the city's historical blend of religious devotion and social realities. Venice, then a republic, faced frequent outbreaks of disease, making charitable acts towards the sick a profound social necessity and a common subject for artists. Pittoni, working within this environment, reflects the era's emphasis on compassion. The drawing is of particular interest because it also showcases the institutional role of the church in providing care. Religious figures were often the first responders during crises, highlighting the church’s social agency. To fully appreciate this work, it is useful to look into the history of Venetian charitable organizations and the biographies of prominent religious figures. By looking at the social and institutional contexts, we can truly understand the significance of art.