Madonna of Lord Cowper c. 19th century

Curator: Look at this engraving by Antonio Perfetti, "Madonna of Lord Cowper," residing here at the Harvard Art Museums. It's interesting, don't you think? Editor: It strikes me as incredibly tender. There's an overwhelming sense of calm, despite it being a rather conventional scene. Curator: Madonna and Child imagery is ubiquitous, of course. The halo signifies divinity, but it's the specific pose and expression that I find so resonant. Here, the slight downward gaze of Madonna speaks to a maternal protectiveness—almost a premonition of sacrifice. Editor: Yes, it has a weight to it, hasn't it? It's like the artist captured a fleeting moment of serenity before a storm. Thanks for pointing out the cultural context. It helps give the piece a whole new meaning.