Madonna and Child with Saint John c. 1602 - 1604

Curator: Here we have Ludovico Carracci's "Madonna and Child with Saint John", a work of striking intimacy. Editor: The initial impression is one of poignant weariness, a sense of burdened figures amidst a harsh landscape. Curator: Carracci, born in 1555, situates the Holy Family within a lineage of exile, echoing contemporary anxieties about displacement and the precariousness of family. Note Saint John, a figure of prophecy, pointing towards a future of martyrdom. How does that resonate? Editor: The halo around Mary transforms her into a beacon, a symbol of hope and resilience. The donkey also carries symbolism; it represents humility, a vital virtue during times of hardship. Curator: Absolutely, and perhaps it also speaks to contemporary narratives of migrant families, forced to carry their burdens across borders, seeking sanctuary. Editor: The visual weight given to familial bonds—physical and emotional—cannot be overstated. Curator: True; considering our current climate, it offers a powerful lens through which to examine the intersection of faith, family, and the ongoing struggle for belonging. Editor: This image speaks to the resilience and faith carried over time.