Pietà c. 18th century

Curator: Here we have Charles-Joseph Natoire's "Pietà," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It presents a poignant scene. Editor: Yes, a very somber mood. The composition, even in this sketch, is powerfully evocative. Note the Virgin's sorrowful gaze. Curator: Natoire, born in 1700, skillfully uses line to convey the heavy emotional labor of mourning. The cross-hatching suggests a rough, almost tactile quality. Editor: I see it too. The materiality of the drawing itself, the choice of medium, enhances the raw feeling. It's not just depicting grief; it's embodying it. Curator: Precisely. Consider also the social context: Natoire was working within a system of patronage. This piece could have been a study for a larger commission, showcasing his ability to elicit pathos. Editor: A fascinating interplay of form and feeling. The figures, though sketched, carry immense weight. Curator: Indeed, the piece moves beyond mere representation. Editor: A deeply moving work.