Lamentation over the body of Christ by the three Marys, a jar of ointment on the table to left and two nails to right 1615

Editor: This etching, “Lamentation over the body of Christ by the three Marys,” from 1615, by Orazio Borgianni, is pretty striking. The raw emotion hits you immediately. What do you see in this piece, something beyond just the grief? Curator: Beyond the grief, which certainly permeates the scene like a damp chill, I see a fascinating exploration of light and shadow, a dance, almost a conversation. Borgianni isn't just depicting sorrow; he's investigating the spiritual weight of the moment. The stark contrasts highlight the divine presence radiating even in death, do you notice the luminosity around Christ's head? Editor: Yeah, it almost feels like the light itself is mourning. It's a clever way to emphasize his divinity, even in this vulnerable state. Is there a particular significance to etching as a medium for this subject matter? Curator: Precisely. Etching, with its delicate lines and capacity for intricate detail, allows for a deep exploration of texture and emotion. Think of the way Borgianni renders the fabrics, the skin...there's a fragility that amplifies the tenderness of the scene. It’s almost as if the act of etching mirrors the act of remembrance – carefully, deliberately imprinting an image into memory. Look at the ointment jar, or even the nails, so somber on the stone surface... Editor: That makes total sense. The fine details really do draw you in, forcing you to contemplate each element of the scene. I guess I was too focused on the faces to notice. Curator: That's the brilliance of art, isn’t it? It peels back the layers of our perceptions. I always notice something new! Editor: Definitely. Thanks, I learned a lot. Looking closer makes the picture all the richer.