Saint Antoninus Kneeling before the Crucifix in Orsanmichele, Florence 1600 - 1605

Curator: This artwork before us, residing here at the Met, is entitled "Saint Antoninus Kneeling before the Crucifix in Orsanmichele, Florence." It's attributed to Bernardino Poccetti, dating back to somewhere between 1600 and 1605. Editor: Wow, it has this spectral, unfinished quality, almost like a memory surfacing from the depths. So many figures, all rendered in this hazy charcoal… It feels intimate, yet vast. Curator: Precisely. Poccetti used charcoal and potentially some graphite on toned paper to create this drawing. It depicts Saint Antoninus, the Archbishop of Florence, in a moment of pious devotion within the Orsanmichele church. Given the moment in history and the legacy of St Antoninus, we see represented in the artwork a dialogue of spiritual contemplation at a key moment of social transition for the region. Editor: You know, the way Poccetti uses line makes the architecture feel as alive as the people. Everything sort of breathes on the same plane. Did you see this kneeling figure? It makes you think about performative devotion. The staging here creates an invitation to judge for yourself whether it comes from a sincere or perhaps self-serving place. Curator: That's a keen observation. Considering that this was part of the late Renaissance, we are witnessing not only devotion to Christ, through his image on the Cross, but perhaps Poccetti's interpretation of institutional piety—an intersection between faith and power that often played out very publicly. Editor: Exactly. It feels charged, doesn't it? Like something's about to happen. What strikes me most is that feeling like you're spying something very personal, you know? I could get lost staring at this, finding new figures in prayer every time. Curator: Poccetti’s artistry captured a key aspect of his time; a period of introspection and negotiation of social order through art. I'm also thinking about class and how even spirituality can offer a critical lens onto Florentine society during this transitional moment. Editor: Absolutely, there are so many levels to unearth! Next time you're feeling introspective, spend time with this ghostly image! Curator: Agreed. Take the time and reflect on the complex social landscape of Florence that informed the vision behind the art, in its cultural and historical moment.