Last Judgement c. 18th century

Curator: Tommaso Piroli, born in 1752, created this drawing called "Last Judgement." It is currently part of the Harvard Art Museums collection. Editor: It has the lightness of a dream, a sketch of the apocalypse. I notice figures swirling, but without the usual fiery drama. Curator: Right, the visual language here is fascinating. We see familiar motifs—the ascent, the trumpet—yet rendered with a delicate, almost academic restraint. It suggests an engagement with established symbolism. Editor: And the figures are so dynamic. Do you think he was interested in expressing a renewed interest in the art of antiquity? Curator: Precisely! It hints at the enduring power of inherited visual vocabularies. It's interesting to consider its continued influence. Editor: The subtlety here speaks volumes about how the artist challenges tradition. Curator: Indeed, a study in contrasts, offering a new perspective on an age-old theme.