Death of the Virgin 18th-19th century

Editor: Here we have Lambert Antoine Claessens' "Death of the Virgin," a print from the Harvard Art Museums. The somber scene is really drawing me in. What kind of story do you think this image is trying to tell? Curator: Well, it’s a tale of grief, of course, but perhaps also of quiet reverence. The dramatic lighting and the clustered figures create a sense of intimacy in a very public moment. There's almost a stage-like quality to it, don't you think? Editor: That's interesting. Now that you mention it, it does feel a bit theatrical. Curator: Right? And that tension between personal sorrow and public display is what makes it so compelling, for me anyway. It’s like a shared experience, but each person is having their own very private reaction. It's a real tear-jerker. Editor: I see what you mean. I hadn't considered the theatrical aspect, but it really adds another layer to the artwork. Curator: Glad I could show you a new perspective.