Interior of Saint Peter's at the Jubilee in 1700, under Clement XII 1700

Curator: Johann Ulrich Kraus's "Interior of Saint Peter's at the Jubilee in 1700, under Clement XII" offers a detailed view of a pivotal moment in the Church's history. It's currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: My first thought? It feels like gazing into infinity, all those tiny people swallowed up by the grandeur. Curator: The print commemorates the Jubilee year, a significant event in the Catholic Church. Kraus was keen on capturing the political and religious significance. Editor: It's like a visual sermon on power and faith, isn't it? The vastness of the architecture versus the tiny mortals. Quite a statement on human significance, or lack thereof. Curator: Indeed. Kraus emphasizes the spectacle, presenting St. Peter's as both a spiritual center and a stage for papal authority. Editor: A stage, yes! It's all about perspective, isn't it? From the artist's perspective, the faithful seem like ants marching to a higher calling. Curator: The print circulated widely, shaping perceptions of the Church and its power. Editor: Fascinating how art immortalizes fleeting moments of faith and authority.