Title: Blessed Bernardo

Artist: Giuseppe Maria

The Blessed Bernardo Tolomei Visiting Victims of the Plague About 1735 Giuseppe Maria Crespi Italian, 1665–1747 Oil on copper During the Black Death in Siena in 1348, the Blessed Bernardo Tolomei (1272–1348) ministered to the plague-stricken with selfless courage, paying for it with his life when he became infected himself. He awaits the procession of a priest with his acolytes bringing the Viaticum, or Communion for the Dying. Bernardo gives a final blessing to a dead woman slumped at his feet, while her child vainly clings to her. An angel hovers above, ready to collect her soul.