Saint John Preaching 18th-19th century

Curator: This is "Saint John Preaching" by Conte Carlo Lasinio, part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Look at the etching's scale; the plate itself is about 13 by 19 inches. What grabs you first? Editor: The light. It’s all gentle gradation, softness. It lends a contemplative mood to what I imagine was a fiery sermon. Curator: Lasinio chose to depict John the Baptist with such calmness. It's interesting how he employs classical contrapposto in John's stance, yet also includes the cross, a symbol of his prophetic role. Editor: Right, the cross is almost casual, but it anchors him to a specific narrative. I'm drawn to the expressions of the crowd. There's skepticism, weariness, hope... Curator: It’s a powerful piece—Lasinio captures a moment rife with human complexity. Editor: Absolutely. A reminder that even sacred stories are, at their heart, deeply human.