Saint John the Evangelist c. 19th century

Editor: This is Paolo Toschi's "Saint John the Evangelist," and the first thing that strikes me is its serene, almost ethereal quality. The saint looks upwards, clearly inspired! What do you see in this piece? Curator: Well, I’m drawn to the contrast between John's contemplative expression and the eagle beside him—a traditional symbol of the Evangelist. Think about the creative act, the quiet labor that births these soaring ideas, and perhaps, your own role as editor. Editor: That's a beautiful thought! It's like the eagle represents the power of his words, but it's grounded in that quiet moment. Curator: Precisely! Toschi captures that potent duality, reminding us that even the loftiest achievements begin with a single, quiet act of creation. Editor: I never thought about it that way. I'll remember that.