An Ecstatic Communion c. 18th century

Curator: André Le Brun's drawing, titled "An Ecstatic Communion," presents us with a flurry of religious figures in sepia tones. Editor: There's a dreamlike quality here, a vision of transcendent grace. The figures seem suspended, weightless. Curator: The cross-hatching suggests the labor involved in creating this piece. The artist's hand is very present in the application of line. Editor: That's interesting. To me, it’s the visual language of the halos and the upward gazes that captures my attention; they represent faith and spiritual longing. Curator: And the implied labor and materials involved would have had a price, which speaks to patronage and the economics of art. Editor: Indeed, those factors always matter. For me, though, the visual power of the piece hinges on its depiction of a sacred moment. Curator: Seeing the process and materials allows us to engage with the work's creation in a tangible way. Editor: And the symbolism allows us to connect with the work’s deep cultural and religious roots.