The Prophet Obadiah, from Prophets and Sibyls 1480 - 1490

Editor: This is "The Prophet Obadiah, from Prophets and Sibyls" made between 1480 and 1490 by Francesco Rosselli, an engraving on laid paper. There's something very contemplative and almost melancholic about the figure. The Prophet seems deep in thought. What strikes you when you look at this? Curator: It strikes me that Rosselli, bless his Renaissance heart, was trying to capture a weighty spirit, you know? All those lines! Like wrinkles etched not just on the skin, but onto the very soul. He's sitting there, this prophet, amidst what appears to be some text referring to Hebrew people's "obstination," right? Does it make you think about burden? The weight of prophesy, maybe? And of course, Italian Renaissance artists LOVED lining up Classical figures next to contemporary themes...what do you imagine this pairing was meant to invoke? Editor: That’s interesting. I didn't catch that reference. Perhaps it's meant to draw a parallel? Maybe to say something about unchanging human nature. The burdens of leaders who give counsel, maybe? Curator: Precisely! Or even the burden of *receiving* counsel! Rosselli probably pondered this too as he brought his vision to life. Notice that detail in his brow... what secrets he knows, that he CAN'T quite share. Art holds that paradox... infinite revelation, hidden in time. Editor: So true. It's easy to look past the technique and miss all the layering, the stories! Curator: Stories, and feelings... It is always about that push and pull. Which for me, IS what great art's all about.