Josiah c. 18th century

Curator: This engraving by Domenico Cunego reproduces Michelangelo's "Josiah," part of the Sistine Chapel ceiling. I'm struck by how skillfully the material translates the monumentality of the fresco. Editor: It's undeniably tender. They’re huddled together in a small triangular space, almost claustrophobic. Are they whispering secrets or sharing anxieties? Curator: Cunego’s rendering invites us to consider the labor involved in disseminating these iconic images. Engravings allowed broader access and interpretation. Editor: The composition, the embrace...it's like a hidden corner of the soul made visible. Does knowing the context diminish the visceral impact, though? Curator: Not at all. It enriches it, revealing the layers of production and reception throughout history. Editor: Perhaps. For me, it still whispers of intimacy.