The Immaculate Conception c. 19th century

Editor: So this is "The Immaculate Conception" by Achille Désiré Lefèvre. There's a real softness to it, almost dreamlike with all the cherubs. It's quite serene. What do you make of its message, beyond the obvious religious aspect? Curator: Serene is a good word! For me, it’s about more than just religious iconography. It's about the idealized feminine form, the aspiration to purity and grace. Look how Lefèvre uses light; it's practically sculpting the figure, wouldn't you say? Editor: Absolutely, the light almost lifts her off the page! I guess I was so focused on the cherubs I didn’t see how powerfully she's rendered. Curator: Exactly! It's a celebration of idealized womanhood. Reflect on that... light and form, a symphony of grace.