Church of St. Joseph in Madrid c. 1860 - 1870

Curator: Here we have Mariano Fortuny Marsal’s "Church of St. Joseph in Madrid," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Oh, it feels like peering into a dimly lit memory. The etching captures this quiet, almost reverent hush. Curator: The print is particularly interesting as it likely reflects the rise of printmaking and its role in disseminating images to a wider audience during the 19th century. Editor: I wonder about the women kneeling there; are they seeking solace, or simply caught in the daily grind? Curator: The artist’s technique gives us a glimpse into the social fabric of the time, really allowing us to consider labor, faith, and the everyday lives of women. Editor: True, it's a reminder that art doesn't just reflect beauty, but also the human story, in all its shadowed corners.