Hic est Filius Meus... c. 20th century

Editor: This is Alfonso Ossorio’s print, "Hic est Filius Meus..." from Harvard Art Museums. It's densely packed with figures and text, all rendered in stark black and white. What strikes me most is how the composition directs the eye through the scene. What do you notice in the overall structure? Curator: The initial reading reveals a composition that is structured through the interplay of positive and negative space. Ossorio masterfully manipulates the viewer's gaze by creating a dynamic tension between the forms and the voids. Can you identify any specific instances of this tension? Editor: The contrast between the dark figures and the light background really makes them pop. The text, too, it’s integrated as part of the scene, not just an addition. Curator: Precisely. The deliberate placement and treatment of the text is integrated, further highlighting the intricate formal relationships within the piece. This cohesion reinforces the symbolic meaning. Editor: Fascinating! It's all so carefully considered. Curator: Indeed, Ossorio's command of form transforms the surface into a powerful visual statement.