Copy after Raphael's Mass at Bolsena c. 1809

Curator: This is Merry-Joseph Blondel's "Copy after Raphael's Mass at Bolsena," housed here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's an intriguing study, isn't it? Editor: Absolutely. Even in monochrome, it feels so… theatrical. All those upward gazes, like a Renaissance play in mid-scene. Curator: Blondel, born in 1781, clearly admired Raphael. Copies like this were crucial for artists studying the masters. Notice how he captures the weight of the fabrics, the individual expressions. Editor: Those faces! They're so earnest, so caught up in the moment. It’s as if they're witnessing a miracle. And the sword... its prominence almost suggests a disruption of the spiritual experience. Curator: A fine point! The sword could symbolize the temporal power observing the divine, perhaps a commentary on the relationship between church and state. Editor: Hmmm... Perhaps. Or maybe it's just adding a touch of drama. Either way, Blondel's captured something essential about human awe, wouldn't you say? Curator: Yes, indeed. It's a fascinating echo of Raphael, viewed through Blondel's unique lens.