The Virgin of the Chair c. 19th century

Editor: This is Auguste Gaspard Louis Boucher Desnoyers' "The Virgin of the Chair," housed at Harvard Art Museums. What strikes me is the circular composition, it feels very self-contained. What do you see in the structural arrangement? Curator: Indeed. The tondo format, typical of the Renaissance, invites a focus on the figures themselves, specifically the interlocking forms of the Virgin, Christ Child, and John the Baptist. Notice how Desnoyers employs chiaroscuro to model the figures. Editor: So, it's about the relationship between light and form creating a sense of depth and volume? Curator: Precisely. The artist uses light to define form. This technique, coupled with the circular design, draws us into the intimate space. Editor: I see it now. Thanks for drawing my attention to those elements! Curator: My pleasure, appreciating the construction of an artwork allows for a greater understanding.