The Entombment 1515 - 1573

Editor: Here we have Battista Angolo del Moro’s "The Entombment", made sometime between 1515 and 1573, created with etching and engraving techniques. It’s stark, almost haunting, and rendered with such delicate lines. The weight of sorrow is palpable, isn't it? What’s your interpretation of this piece? Curator: Haunting is a great word for it. For me, it echoes the feeling one gets wandering through a dimly lit cathedral, all whispers and shadows. Notice how del Moro uses light and shadow – the *chiaroscuro* – to amplify the emotional drama. Do you see how Christ's body is the brightest point, almost glowing against the grief etched on the faces surrounding him? Editor: Yes, that contrast is very strong. It almost feels staged, though, theatrical. Curator: Exactly! That's very much in keeping with the theatrical sensibilities of the late Renaissance, right? This isn’t just a historical record, it's an invitation to contemplate grief, loss, faith. And it makes me wonder what Battista Angolo del Moro, himself, was feeling. What anxieties or personal tragedies, perhaps, found their way into this etching? Editor: I didn’t consider the artist's own emotions being embedded in the artwork like that. Curator: The humanity of the artist shines through, doesn't it? Look at the almost frantic etching of lines around the figures’ faces. To me, they almost feel like a physical manifestation of anguish. Editor: That’s a fascinating point! It really adds another layer of understanding to this intricate print. Curator: Agreed! And sometimes, the most profound connections are found in those layers, whispering across centuries.