Santos Roque, Antão Abade e Luzia

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.