Madonna and Child c. 17th century

Curator: Here we have Francois de Poilly the Elder's "Madonna and Child," held in the Harvard Art Museums. It strikes me as serene, almost melancholic. Editor: That oval frame immediately directs my gaze to the labor evident in those engraved lines, the very process of image-making in service to the church. Curator: Indeed, the Madonna's lowered gaze and the child's slumber evoke tenderness, but also, perhaps, a premonition of suffering, common in Marian iconography. Editor: And observe how the drapery, meticulously rendered, both conceals and reveals, pointing to the socio-economic structures that allowed for its creation and consumption. Curator: The symbolism is rich here; the virgin mother, a timeless emblem of love and sacrifice, cradling the future savior. Editor: I am most drawn to its function as printed matter, circulating ideals through readily available reproductive technologies. Curator: A poignant blend of human touch and divine promise. Editor: A testament to the power of material culture in shaping belief.