Woman with a Rosary c. 18th century

Curator: This is Giuseppe Zocchi’s "Woman with a Rosary," likely created sometime in the mid-18th century. Editor: The sepia tones give it a feeling of quiet introspection, almost like a memory fading into the past. Curator: Zocchi uses the rosary as a potent symbol, layering cultural associations of piety, but perhaps also of social constraint. Editor: It’s interesting to consider how women's lives were often confined to domestic and religious spheres, offering limited avenues for agency. Curator: The way she's depicted in profile, almost anonymous, speaks to the societal expectations placed upon women, obscuring individuality. Editor: Right, and while religious devotion could be a source of personal strength, it also functioned as a tool for regulating women's behavior. Curator: The rosary acts as both a comfort and a chain, echoing enduring themes within Italian culture. Editor: This drawing makes me think about the unspoken narratives of women throughout history, inviting us to imagine their inner lives.