Angels Lifting Virgin and Child 1610 - 1642

Editor: Here we have "Angels Lifting Virgin and Child" by Pierre Brebiette, created sometime between 1610 and 1642. It’s an etching, and the composition is really striking with this strong contrast between the earthly and heavenly realms. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This print is incredibly rich in its potential for socio-political interpretation. Beyond the obvious religious iconography, I see a commentary on power dynamics and the intervention of the divine when earthly systems fail, as suggested by the latin inscription. It provokes questions about how systems of belief can provide comfort or perpetuate oppression. Notice the earthly figure pulling the donkey; what does his effort juxtaposed with the effortless flight of the angels suggest to you about labour and reward in the 17th century? Editor: I hadn’t thought about it that way. His struggle definitely contrasts with the Virgin and Child being lifted effortlessly by angels. So you're saying that the artist might be commenting on the disparities in society, maybe questioning the Church’s role at the time? Curator: Exactly! The Baroque period was a time of upheaval. Religious wars, famine, and inequality were rampant. The art often reflected these tensions. Think about the distribution of power, the reliance on divine intervention, and who benefits from the narratives that art propagates. What position do the Virgin, child, angels, driver, and donkey have in the prevailing societal power dynamic? How are they impacted by the current issues of the time? Editor: Wow, I will never look at Baroque art the same way. It’s so much more than just religious scenes. Curator: Indeed. It is also crucial to note the perspective that the engraver must have when creating artwork. How much of it can be considered Brebiette’s? Editor: That’s a really interesting point I never would have considered, but I understand the power dynamics that shift depending on perspective and will be sure to think about this moving forward!