Entombment (first version) c. 1529

Editor: Here we have Parmigianino's "Entombment (first version)." It's a very moving image. I am curious about its cultural context. How might the function and meaning of this work change depending on who views it? Curator: That’s a great question! Consider how Parmigianino, working in the 16th century, was both reflecting and shaping religious sentiment. Prints like this, widely circulated, played a vital role in disseminating and standardizing visual interpretations of biblical stories. Editor: So, its meaning is not just about the personal expression, but how it helps create collective cultural experience? Curator: Precisely. These images reinforced certain doctrines and emotional responses, shaping the viewer’s understanding of faith and shared identity. This print is a powerful example of art's social function. Editor: I never thought about art this way. Thanks!