Madonna with the Fish c. 18th century

Editor: Here we have Francesco Bartolozzi’s "Madonna with the Fish," residing at the Harvard Art Museums. The scene feels both intimate and formal. What symbols do you find most compelling in this piece? Curator: The fish offered by the child carries profound symbolic weight. In early Christian iconography, the fish, or "ichthys," served as an acrostic for "Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior." Editor: So, the fish isn't just a fish! Curator: Exactly. It's a visual reminder of Christ's identity and mission, encoded within a seemingly simple object. The book held by the saint would allude to knowledge or faith, while the angel suggests divine presence. Editor: I’ll remember to look beyond the surface details from now on. Curator: Indeed, symbols unlock layers of meaning within art, connecting us to the past and influencing our perception.