Madonna della sedia c. 18th century

Curator: Looking at Giovanni Volpato’s “Madonna della sedia,” I am immediately struck by the intimate circular composition. Editor: As a materialist, I'm drawn to the reproductive process, a print transforming Raphael's oil painting into something widely accessible. Consider the labor involved in this meticulous engraving. Curator: The tenderness of the Virgin's embrace certainly speaks to a universal maternal archetype, and the child John the Baptist holding the cross alludes to Christ’s future. Editor: Yet, the print medium inherently flattens the original’s depth, altering our perception. It’s now an object to be handled, distributed, consumed on a wider scale. Curator: Indeed, that accessibility makes the symbolism more potent. The circle itself has rich spiritual and historical associations of unity, perfection, and eternity. Editor: Yes, but it’s important to remember how prints democratized art, impacting both the artist’s income and our relationship with these iconic images. Curator: Ultimately, Volpato’s work reminds us of the lasting power of familiar religious motifs. Editor: And, it underscores how artistic mediums shape the narratives we encounter.