Funeral of Saint Benedict; Saint Augustine; Beheading of Saint Lucilla 1385

Curator: Here we have a work attributed to Spinello Aretino, who was active during the 15th century. This piece, housed at the Harvard Art Museums, presents three scenes: "Funeral of Saint Benedict," "Saint Augustine," and "Beheading of Saint Lucilla". Editor: It’s immediately striking how the subjects demand attention through gesture and body position. The scenes feel theatrical, staged almost. I'm curious about the application of paint here, the thickness and treatment of surface. Curator: It's important to consider that art of this period was often commissioned by religious institutions. How the Church used imagery to convey moral and theological messages is key to understanding pieces like this. Editor: Right. And thinking about the artisanal production, the artist’s workshop… These panels would have involved apprentices. Consider the economic structures and the distribution of labor necessary for its creation. Curator: Certainly. The depiction of martyrdom and saintly virtues would have served a very specific purpose in the socio-political context of the time. Editor: Knowing this helps me better appreciate the materiality, the processes involved in the making of this complex object, and the social forces that defined its creation. Curator: Precisely. Examining "Funeral of Saint Benedict; Saint Augustine; Beheading of Saint Lucilla" through its historical lens gives us deeper insights. Editor: Indeed, by investigating the material and making, it makes the painting all the more revealing.