Saint John with the Cross c. 19th century

Editor: This is Giovanni Rivera's "Saint John with the Cross," made sometime between 1771 and 1861. It has a certain stillness to it, a quiet intensity. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, first, let's consider the image of Saint John. How does Rivera portray him, and how does this representation reinforce or challenge societal norms of the time concerning religious figures and, perhaps, even gender? Editor: I see what you mean. There's an almost androgynous quality to the figure. Curator: Exactly. By subtly blurring gender lines, Rivera might be prompting us to reconsider rigid definitions and expectations, both within a religious context and in the wider world. Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! Art always holds a mirror to society and encourages us to reflect.