Madonna and Child with Saint John 16th-17th century

Curator: This is Orazio Farinati's "Madonna and Child with Saint John," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It measures approximately 25 by 22 centimeters. Editor: What strikes me first is the somber mood, a quiet drama rendered in delicate lines. Curator: The composition certainly draws the eye. Observe the carefully constructed pyramid of figures, the Madonna at its apex, grounding the restless energy of the children below. Editor: The lamb, traditionally symbolizing Christ's sacrifice, feels particularly poignant given the socio-political turmoil of Farinati's time. One can't ignore the backdrop of religious upheaval and the Counter-Reformation. Curator: Indeed, but notice the skillful use of hatching and cross-hatching. It creates a remarkable sense of depth and volume despite the limited tonal range. Editor: For me, this work is a reminder that even within established religious iconography, there exists space for commentary on the world around us. Curator: A world captured through form and line, wouldn't you say? Editor: Perhaps, or a world interpreted.