Crespi Giuseppe Maria (Lo Spagnolo) (Bologna 1665-1747) – St. Bernardo Tolomei in Siena during the plague (43x67 cm) c.1735 J. Paul Getty Museum

The composition presents a scene steeped in suffering and religious devotion, likely depicting a moment of crisis within a community afflicted by disease. A central figure, clad in a voluminous white habit, dominates the foreground. He appears to be engaged with several individuals, his posture suggesting both concern and authority. His face is shadowed, yet conveys an air of solemnity and perhaps weary compassion.
Around him, a throng of people are arranged in varying states of distress. Some lie prostrate on the ground, their bodies contorted in pain or exhaustion. Others huddle together, exhibiting expressions of fear and despair. The artist has employed a palette dominated by earthy tones – browns, ochres, and muted reds – which contribute to the overall atmosphere of gloom and hardship. Patches of brighter color, such as the orange garment of the figure lying near the central man, draw attention to specific points within the chaotic scene.
A palpable sense of overcrowding is evident; bodies press against one another, creating a claustrophobic effect that underscores the intensity of the situation. The artist has skillfully used light and shadow to direct the viewers eye, highlighting key figures while obscuring others in darkness. A small, red canopy positioned above the central group introduces a note of formality or perhaps symbolic protection amidst the surrounding devastation.
Above this scene, barely visible through the haze, is an angelic figure, seemingly observing the events unfolding below. This inclusion suggests a divine presence, hinting at themes of faith and potential redemption within the context of human suffering. The overall impression is one of profound empathy for those afflicted by hardship, coupled with a suggestion of spiritual solace offered in times of crisis. The work seems to explore the intersection of religious duty, communal vulnerability, and the enduring power of hope amidst adversity.