The Adoration of the Magi 17th-18th century

Curator: This is Robert van Auden-Aerd's "The Adoration of the Magi," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It measures about 25 by 15 centimeters. Editor: There's a stark, almost theatrical quality to it, isn’t there? The contrast creates a really intense atmosphere. Curator: The scene depicts the traditional biblical story. Observe how Auden-Aerd renders the figures; the magi's expressions and gestures, for example, carry such weight. Editor: It's fascinating how Auden-Aerd uses line to define not just form but also the social dynamics at play – the power and the vulnerability. It certainly invites us to reflect on contemporary power structures. Curator: Absolutely. And it reminds us of the enduring power of art to provoke dialogue across centuries. Editor: Yes, it offers us a space to consider the intersection of faith, power, and representation.