Nativity c. 18th century

Editor: This is Francesco Rosaspina's "Nativity," and it's just brimming with emotion. All these figures crowding around this tiny baby… what's going on in this scene, what do you see in this work? Curator: This piece invites us to consider the socio-political implications of the Nativity story. How does the artist portray power dynamics between the divine and the mortal? What does it say about the societal roles assigned to women during that historical context? Editor: Roles assigned to women? I am not so sure I follow. Curator: Consider Mary, for instance. Her maternal role is emphasized, but also think about the power, or lack thereof, she has in this narrative. How does the composition either reinforce or challenge these traditional interpretations? Editor: I see it differently now. It's not just a sweet scene, but a reflection of a society's values and power structures. Thanks!