Heilige Juan Diego vindt het door de engel gegeven voedsel 1646

Editor: So, this is "Heilige Juan Diego vindt het door de engel gegeven voedsel," from 1646 by Simon (II) Guillain. It's an engraving, quite detailed! What I notice is how it kind of stages the figures and landscape. There’s a lot going on! What do you make of it all? Curator: Ah, yes! It's like peering into a meticulously crafted dream, isn't it? The divine mingling with the earthly, all neatly packaged in a Baroque print. It almost reminds me of theatrical staging – the figures sharply in focus, with the landscape fading softly behind like a painted backdrop. Do you get a sense of distance and proximity in the composition? Editor: Absolutely! The angel feels very present, while the background is much softer and farther away. Curator: Exactly! Notice also the food provided to Juan Diego; that's part of a visual narrative! To me, Guillain cleverly uses line and form to create a sense of layered reality – something that's very Baroque but with a charming simplicity. How do you feel it evokes a sense of devotion? Editor: That's interesting; it's so clearly rendered, that it makes the whole thing believable. Curator: And believable is the point, my dear! Isn’t it marvellous how art, through belief, reflects our capacity to visualize the unseen? What will you believe is real? Editor: It’s fascinating how an old print can open up so many new thoughts and interpretations. Thank you! Curator: And thank you, it’s what makes my job endlessly joyful.