The Magdalene at the Sepulchre (?) c. 19th century

Curator: This delicate sepia drawing, housed here at the Harvard Art Museums, is thought to be Fortunato Duranti’s "The Magdalene at the Sepulchre." Editor: It’s so fluid, almost dreamlike. The wash of brown ink gives it an ethereal, otherworldly feel, but the composition is a bit unclear at first glance. Curator: Well, Duranti was quite invested in conveying emotion through dramatic, exaggerated gestures. Notice how Mary Magdalene’s pose conveys both grief and awe, in the face of the impossible. Consider, too, the institutional role of religious imagery at the time. Editor: True, but look at the materiality, the paper itself, and how Duranti's layered washes build up the figures. There’s an almost tactile quality that contrasts with the scene's miraculous subject matter. It underscores the human element present even within religious narratives. Curator: Interesting point. The artist is grappling with faith through very material means. Editor: Absolutely. It's fascinating how the very act of making art becomes a way of negotiating belief and cultural expectation. Curator: Indeed, and that reminds us of the social power that such images once held. Editor: Seeing this drawing, I think it’s less about dogma and more about Duranti’s exploration of grief, love, and wonder through the labor of his own hands.