S. Philip c. 18th century

Editor: This is Johann Georg Bergmüller's "S. Philip," an undated print at the Harvard Art Museums. The figure's upward gaze makes me wonder, what narratives do you see embedded in this image? Curator: The upward gaze, the rough texture—they speak of a struggle for elevation within a rigid social hierarchy. The image is not just about religious devotion; it subtly challenges the power structures of its time. Who is truly seen, and whose voice is heard? Editor: That's fascinating! It makes me reconsider the context of religious art in that era. Curator: Exactly! Think about the Reformation, about the power dynamics between the Church and the individual. How does Bergmüller engage with or resist these tensions? Editor: I see it now. The print becomes a statement, not just a depiction. Thank you!