The Tablets of the Law 1812

Curator: This is "The Tablets of the Law" by Conte Carlo Lasinio, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: Wow, it feels so meticulously rendered, almost like looking through a very fine screen. A little dreamlike, don't you think? Curator: It does evoke a sense of distance, perhaps mirroring the remoteness of the divine law. What strikes me is how Lasinio uses classical visual language to depict this biblical narrative. Editor: Yes, the figures almost resemble ancient Greek sculptures, and that golden calf looks so…peaceful, amidst the chaos. I am more drawn to the emotionality and human drama. Curator: A powerful scene indeed, highlighting the tension between divine order and human fallibility. Editor: I see what you mean; it’s like a stage, and we’re witnessing a pivotal moment in the play. It makes you wonder about the choices people made, what was in their hearts at that instant. Curator: The piece speaks to both the universal themes of faith and societal power. Editor: Well, after looking at this, I may need a little law-breaking in my life just to balance things out.