Object Record
Images
Metadata
Artist |
Bookhardt, D. Eric |
Title |
Thanks to St. Roch |
Date |
1977 |
Medium |
Gelatin silver print |
Dimensions |
H-11 W-8 inches |
Object name |
Photograph |
Collection |
Louisiana Collection |
Credit line |
Gift of the artist |
Catalog number |
1989.10.04 |
Notes |
Saint Roch Chapel in New Orleans: Saint Roch is the patron saint of good health. In 1867, during a desperate attempt to protect his parish members from the scourge, Reverend Peter Thevis decided to dedicate his prayers to Saint Roch, Patron Saint of Good Health. Reverend Thevis’ community miraculously suffered no losses during the yellow fever epidemic, and this Gothic Revival chapel surrounded by a cemetery was erected in Saint Roch’s honor. For decades, believers have been leaving their polio braces, glass eyes, dental plates and other parts of their prosthetic selves when their health was recovered. Born circa 1348, Saint Roch ministered to plague victims, and was said to have saved many lives from the pestilence. His legend grew after he himself contracted the black death in Piacenza, Italy and was banished from the parish. He went into hiding in the nearby forest, where a dog that belonged to a local noble frequently visited him and took to bringing him bread to sustain him. According to the tale, the dog licked his wounds and healed him, after which the nobleman discovered him and became a disciple. |
Search terms |
work on paper black and white St. Roch alter New Orleans local offerings |