Madonna and Child in a Glory, with Saint Sebastian, Saint Geminianus and Saint Roch c. 19th century

Editor: This is Achille Désiré Lefévre’s “Madonna and Child in a Glory, with Saint Sebastian, Saint Geminianus and Saint Roch” held at the Harvard Art Museums. The tonal range really strikes me. What historical narratives do you think shaped its creation? Curator: Considering the plague saints represented, Saint Sebastian and Saint Roch, one immediately reflects on the historical context of disease and social vulnerability. How might this image function as a commentary on power dynamics and faith during times of crisis? Editor: That’s interesting. So it's not just a religious scene, but also about societal anxieties? Curator: Exactly. The Virgin Mary acts as an intercessor, but who has access to her grace? What does it mean that these male saints are her conduit? The image invites us to consider the relationship between institutional power, religious representation, and public health. Editor: I never would have thought about it that way, thanks! Curator: It's fascinating to see how art can reflect the complexities of its time.