The Risen Christ between the Virgin and St. Joseph, Appearing to St. Peter and other Apostles 1620 - 1670

Curator: This intriguing drawing, created with ink and charcoal, depicts "The Risen Christ between the Virgin and St. Joseph, Appearing to St. Peter and other Apostles." The artist is Jean Daret, and its estimated creation period spans from 1620 to 1670. It resides here at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Editor: My initial impression is one of ethereal grace tinged with solemnity. The monochromatic palette lends the scene a weight, a seriousness despite the obviously joyous occasion. There's a delicate balance of the earthly and heavenly realms, all rendered in incredibly fine lines. Curator: The piece offers an interesting snapshot into the baroque artistic landscape, specifically in its treatment of religious narrative. It is after all a study, probably for a larger, now potentially lost or unassigned work. Consider the period's patronage, where art became deeply entwined with political and religious expression. This narrative solidified power and doctrine in an accessible, emotional manner. Editor: Absolutely. Looking closely, you can see the artist employs very specific iconographic motifs. Christ is shown with his wounds displayed, a reminder of his sacrifice, while the gestures of St. Peter and the other apostles— their raised hands, kneeling postures—all convey awe and reverence, while underscoring Peter's role as mediator, the symbolic foundation stone of the church itself. And we can note St Joseph is old and assisted to sit. The virgin looks young as when she gave birth. Curator: The use of charcoal and ink really facilitates Daret’s attention to texture and shading. I find it particularly powerful, how he conveys light emanating from Christ, bathing the scene in a divine glow, yet contrastly how he leaves a lot of characters rendered as simple suggestions as part of a crowd, but offers significant details on main figures. Editor: That interplay is what captures my attention, as well. It gives tangible form to an ethereal concept, evoking complex emotional and psychological impact from this key tenet of faith, the Resurrection. Curator: Reflecting on its art historical context and devotional symbolism really transforms how one can encounter Daret's beautiful study. Editor: Indeed. Looking closer unveils the deep psychological richness ingrained into a work seemingly monochromatic but of deep, colorful expression.