Perspectives

In Italy, painting the plague in a lovely light

By Christine Temin

Globe Staff / July 13, 2005

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In the minds of Italians of the Baroque era, the bubonic plague that repeatedly decimated their population was both caused and cured by God. The panic-stricken faithful believed that a painting depicting saints interceding with the Almighty on their behalf might stop the outbreaks and spare their lives. And when the scourge abated, they erected churches in thanks. (Full article: 926 words)