Saints Roch, Anthony Abbot and Lucy

These three saints were chosen for who they protect. Anthony Abbot stands raised in the center, guardian against infectious disease. To one side is Roch, who points to a plague sore on his leg and was invoked during outbreaks. To the other is Lucy, patron of the blind, holding her lamp. Cima painted them around 1513, probably for a brotherhood that nursed the sick, in a Venice that lived with the regular return of plague. Down at Anthony's feet sits a small black pig, the saint's old attribute and a chance for Cima to show off his gift for painting animals. It is the one homely touch in a picture assembled entirely for protection.