Saint Paul at Malta 1791

Editor: This print, "Saint Paul at Malta" by Francesco Bartolozzi, is incredibly detailed! The figures are dynamic, almost spilling out of the frame. What symbolic weight do you see in the way Bartolozzi depicts this scene? Curator: The multitude of figures can be seen as a metaphor for the spread of Christianity. Note how St. Paul is bathed in light, centered, almost serene, amidst the chaos. Do you see how the artist draws from classical imagery to elevate Saint Paul? Editor: Yes, I see that now! The figure holding the urn reminds me of classical sculptures. I hadn't noticed that connection before. Curator: Exactly! Bartolozzi is linking Christian narratives with established cultural symbols, thus creating continuity. It is about imbuing the new narrative with the weight of the old. Editor: That’s a powerful connection. Thanks for pointing that out! Curator: My pleasure. It reveals much about the period's desire to connect with the past while forging a new cultural identity.