Piëta 1835 - 1899

Curator: Here we have "Pietà," an engraving on paper created sometime between 1835 and 1899 by Johann Leonhard Raab. Editor: My first impression is the weight. The figures are heavy with grief, especially the posture of Mary holding Jesus. It has this classical, Renaissance feel. Curator: Indeed. This print captures a scene brimming with historical and artistic symbolism. Raab skillfully renders the textures of the drapery and the expressions of sorrow etched on each face. We can discern an almost palpable sense of loss. Editor: Yes, the specific poses communicate deep religious meaning. We see the echo of Michelangelo’s famous sculpture. The image of the grieving Madonna and her son serves as a poignant reminder of faith, sacrifice, and ultimate redemption across multiple eras and cultures. The halo above their heads reinforces the iconographic element. Curator: Beyond its symbolism, what intrigues me is how Raab, working with the rigid process of engraving, manages to convey the raw emotion inherent in this scene. The material constraints of the printmaking process highlight Raab’s artistry, challenging assumptions of mere reproduction. And by the way it mimics stone carving it calls back to materiality as well. Editor: Right, look at the cave or tomb. The heavy line work almost makes it a character in itself! The darkness surrounding them highlights the sense of isolation, amplifying the human drama. Each element has a story to tell that stretches across history. Curator: It is interesting to think of who created the original. As an engraving the artwork creates questions about reproduction. Also I feel like this would have brought mass production to this classic form, that at one point was exclusively made out of stone. Editor: It's amazing how one can engage with timeless motifs through such material iterations. Each detail reflects complex histories of artistic expression, enduring cultural narratives, and raw emotionality. Curator: I concur. Reflecting on the materials used and the process, what started as simple prints ended up serving a crucial role in disseminating cultural values through artistic expression and mass consumption.