Virgin of Quito 18th century

Editor: So here we have Bernardo Legarda's "Virgin of Quito" from the 18th century, a wooden sculpture currently residing at the Met. The dynamism of her pose against what looks like a celestial orb is quite striking. How would you interpret this piece, with its fusion of indigenous and baroque elements? Curator: Oh, isn’t she marvelous? To me, this Virgin isn't just an icon, she is pure theatre, pure storytelling. She's a defiant angel, perched atop the world – well, the celestial sphere anyway – utterly owning her power. Do you see how the indigenous artistic traditions peek through the strictures of Baroque style? Editor: Yes, definitely! It’s fascinating how those influences intertwine. Curator: Absolutely! There’s a tension, a beautiful push and pull. It reminds us that art doesn't exist in a vacuum. What do you make of the drapery – isn't it just magnificent, the way it seems to defy gravity? Editor: It almost feels like she's about to take flight! The wood material juxtaposed with the lightness the artist achieved… it’s quite impressive. Curator: Exactly! It’s that dance between the earthly and the divine that captivates me. She’s not just a symbol, but an embodiment of cultural negotiation. Editor: I’m beginning to see so many layers I missed initially. Curator: Isn't it always the case? The more you look, the more she reveals! Editor: Thanks. That interplay is something I'll be looking for in similar works from now on! Curator: Excellent! It is like peeling an onion: sometimes, if you are lucky, it will not make you cry, just open your heart and mind.