Pietà c. 16th century

Curator: This is Battista Angolo del Moro's Pietà, held here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: It’s a striking image. The stark lines create such a somber mood, almost a raw grief emanating from the scene. Curator: The Pietà is a common subject, depicting the Virgin Mary cradling the dead body of Jesus. Del Moro presents a variation: Christ is surrounded by angels, with Mary standing behind, arms outstretched in anguish. Consider the political and religious turmoil of the era. Editor: The angels, usually symbols of comfort, seem overwhelmed. The image recalls earlier plague art, where angels are present but almost impotent against widespread death. Even Mary’s gestures seem to question divine intervention. Curator: Yes, and the etching technique, with its emphasis on line and shadow, heightens the sense of drama and loss. Del Moro's Pietà serves as a potent reminder of mortality, suffering, and the complex relationship between faith and human experience. Editor: It’s a powerful visual exploration of faith and despair—emotions that resonate even today.