Bishop Saint, Saint Roch, and Saint Sebastian
SEE IT IN PERSON
● On view now — Collection Gallery, Room 23, East Wall
Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia · verified July 2026
Discussion
FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG
This late medieval panel painting spotlights three saints who were believed to offer protection from plague. At center, Saint Roch points out a scar from his own affliction, from which he recovered with the help of a faithful dog who licked his sores and brought him bread. An angel vouchsafes this miracle by extending a hand in blessing. To the right is the early Christian martyr Saint Sebastian (we can see a scene of his execution by a volley of arrows in the hilly background); the bishop to the left is probably Saint Remigius. This panel would have been displayed in a church, either to solicit the saints' protection against plague or to express gratitude for their having helped with recovery.
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