Burial of the Virgin c. 17th century

Curator: This is Jacques Callot's "Burial of the Virgin," a small yet powerfully evocative etching made sometime between 1592 and 1635. Editor: There's a strange tension here. The tight crosshatching makes the scene feel enclosed, almost claustrophobic, but the radiant light from above suggests something transcendent. Curator: The scene depicts the moment of the Virgin Mary's dormition, where instead of dying, she peacefully passed from earthly life into heavenly glory, hence the angels above. The apostles are gathered around, their expressions a mixture of grief and awe. Editor: The use of chiaroscuro is striking, creating deep shadows that emphasize the figures' emotional weight. The artist really uses the contrast to its full potential. Curator: Callot was a master of etching, renowned for his ability to capture minute details and complex scenes. The composition follows a symbolic arrangement, the earthly realm below and the celestial realm above, united through the Virgin's passing. It speaks to a universal desire for transcendence and connection with the divine. Editor: I am struck by how the artist manipulates light and shadow to guide the viewer's gaze through the unfolding narrative. There is something very evocative in how he uses such sparse technical means to create a sense of weight and gravity. Curator: Indeed, Callot offers us a poignant meditation on faith, mortality, and the promise of eternal life. Editor: A lot to unpack here.